Can beleaguered Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal survive ordeal at Stoke?

Embattled Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has been involved in a very public battle to save his job in the days leading up to Saturday’s game at Stoke City.

Van Gaal’s future is looking increasingly uncertain after a run of six matches in all competitions without a victory, coupled with a series of uninspiring performances.

A group-stage exit from the Champions League earlier this month was a significant disappointment for a club who won the trophy in 2008 and have reached two finals since.

But of more concern was the lack of attacking threat in successive Premier League defeats against promoted teams Bournemouth and Norwich City.

United managed only two shots on target as Norwich won 2-1 at Old Trafford last weekend and there is a strong feeling that failure to win at Stoke on Saturday or at home to Chelsea on Monday may cost Van Gaal his job.

The manager’s frustration at the public discussion of his future led him to walk out of a press conference on Wednesday after answering just three questions.