02 January,2016 11:13 AM IST | | AFP
Louis van Gaal welcomes backing from club’s supporters as embattled manager attempts to improve his side’s spiralling form against Swansea City today
Manchester: Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal remains in office after the most testing fortnight of his 18-month tenure, but he is not secure in his job just yet.
Van Gaal appeared to be in serious danger of being sacked following a run of four successive defeats, culminating in a feeble performance as his team were beaten 2-0 at Stoke City on Boxing Day.
Louis van Gaal. Pic/Getty Images
Van Gaal said the backing of the club's supporters was a vital element in his attempts to improve his side's spiralling form as they take on Swansea City today.
"I am doing my work," Van Gaal told his pre-match press conference at United's Carrington training base. "You have to do what you have to do. There are members of staff saying, Boss, can I help you more?" I say, "You help me by doing the things you have to as well as possible, and then I am satisfied." I also expect that from my players.
"This is not the first club, though it may be the last club, where I have had a bad period. I have had bad periods at all my clubs and I have to say the best fans are at Manchester United."
"In such a difficult period, they still applaud the performances of the players and that is fantastic. But still we need to win because at the end of the season, we want to be at the top of the league and not in the middle. We have to get points otherwise the gap will be too big and that is why we have to do what we have to do."
Van Gaal's side produced a much livelier attacking display against Chelsea than has been the norm this season, creating several chances and seeing Juan Mata and Martial strike the frame of the goal.
