Manchester United fans desperate for an end to the dreary football on show at Old Trafford have more cause to hand their heads this morning.
Reports in several Sunday newspapers suggest that even if Pep Guardiola were to make himself available to the Red Devils this summer, United would keep faith with current manager Louis van Gaal.
Van Gaal would have one more year on his existing contract but despite sitting just three points off the top of the Premier League table, United fans are nearing open revolt over the dismal fare put forward by the Dutchman’s side this season.
Guardiola’s Bayern Munich side are again dominating the Bundesliga and the ex-Barcelona boss is expected not to extend his spell in Germany beyond this season, with the Premier League a known destination on his wishlist.
To double the impact of any United decision not to pursue Guardiola, the door would then be open for Manchester City to swoop for the Spaniard.
The Sunday Mirror cites ‘high level Old Trafford sources’ who claim ‘United’s American owners are delighted with the job that the Dutchman is doing’.
They add that ‘Gaal’s position at the club will only come under scrutiny if he fails to finish in the Premier League’s top four’.