Is this the starting XI for Louis van Gaal’s last ever game?
The Dutchman’s tenure as Manchester United manager appears to be on borrowed time, with the team winless in seven games and looking increasingly devoid of confidence.
Reports earlier this week claimed Van Gaal has twice offered his resignation, only for it to be rejected by the United hierarchy, but that he must win today’s game against Chelsea to stand any chance of continuing in the role.
The 64 year old has been a manager since 1991, enjoying phenomenal success at Ajax, winning the Champions League in 1995 before moving to Barcelona and bringing through players such as Xavi, Andreas Iniesta and Victor Valdes.
A fallow period as Netherlands manager followed, before Van Gaal enjoyed further success at AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich and a second, fruitful spell in charge of the Dutch international team.
However, today’s game against Chelsea could be his final fixture in a long career.
Van Gaal has returned Wayne Rooney to the starting line-up, and dropped Memphis Depay to the bench.
#mufc XI: De Gea, Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Young, Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Mata, Herrera, Martial, Rooney. pic.twitter.com/JLWbsjhJwU
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 28, 2015
#mufc substitutes: Romero, Borthwick-Jackson, Jones, Carrick, Fellaini, Pereira, Memphis.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 28, 2015
Meanwhile, here’s Chelsea’s starting XI:
Chelsea team v Man Utd: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Mikel, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Pedro; Hazard. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 28, 2015
Chelsea subs today: Begovic, Baba Rahman, Djilobodji, Ramires, Loftus-Cheek, Traore, Kenedy. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 28, 2015
