Manchester United vs. Norwich: Louis van Gaal on Jose Mourinho, More in Presser

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal expressed his shock at Chelsea's dismissal of Jose Mourinho, but he said poor results could end the tenure of any coach in professional football.

David McDonnell and Joe Mewis of the Mirror quoted the Dutchman speaking about the departure of the charismatic Portuguese icon, saying it was a "big surprise" to hear of his sacking but admitted he could follow Mourinho if results at Old Trafford do not improve:

"

What can I say? It was a big surprise for me, I didn’t expect it. He’s a fantastic manager with a record that nobody has in this football world, but it is still possible [to be sacked].

I have said this, last week or the week before, the main thing is always first, the results, and second, the chemistry between players, manager and his staff.

I cannot judge what was happening in Chelsea, but I was very surprised [to see Mourinho sacked].

"

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Van Gaal added he understood the huge pressure to win in the Premier League and that his players and Mourinho are also aware of this element, as quoted by McDonnell and Mewis: "I know that, the players know that, my staff know that. We have to win, because, if you lose, also for me, it’s the end of the world. We know that in advance [if results are poor, managers are vulnerable]. Jose also knows that, but it’s this world.”

Despite the admission, LvG reaffirmed he has the full backing of the United board and his squad, per McDonnell and Mewis. The club is without a win in five games in all competitions:

"

It’s fine, but I have said already, more than once, but I have seen articles that it is bit like that [that he has lost the dressing-room].

It’s a little bit crazy, but that is the world.

I have the full confidence of my board and my players, that I feel, and it’s like that. But we have to get results, we have to win.

We hope to give the result everyone is expecting.

"

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Van Gaal revealed his injury crisis has begun to recede and that Wayne Rooney and Ander Herrera have a chance of returning as United face Norwich City in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The coach said both players have trained for a full week at Carrington, but he would not say if they will make the starting XI. 

However, he did state Nick Powell might claim a rare starting berth. Jesse Lingard and Matteo Darmian will miss the Norwich match through injury, with Ashley Young struggling to feature.

LvG also commented on the future of James Wilson, who has exploded into form during his loan spell at Brighton and Hove Albion in the Championship. The manager said he has the option to recall the English striker at any time and that he "believes in him," per McDonnell and Mewis.

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The Dutchman also spoke about the discontent at Old Trafford and said supporters might struggle to see the work going into matches behind the scenes at Carrington, per McDonnell and Mewis:

"

That is always like that when you lose. Fans have to prove their belief again. And, when you lose, that is less at that moment.

The board of directors can see what you can do as a manager, but the fans cannot see that. So when you lose, you need the belief of the fans.

But that’s a question for the fans, not for the manager.

"

Norwich arrive at the Theatre of Dreams in the relegation zone, and United supporters will demand an improvement with the ball at the feet of their attackers.

The hosts have slipped to 10th in the Premier League form guide, and they desperately need a win to stabilise their season heading into the busy Christmas schedule.

Booing was audible at Old Trafford in the last home match in the league, as United played out yet another goalless draw—their fifth of the season, coming against West Ham United—and there will be further angry cries from the faithful if they fail to score against lesser opposition.