Louis Van Gaal Discusses Manchester United Pressure After Defeat to Norwich City

Louis van Gaal doesn't know if he'll be given time to turn things around at Manchester United after the club was beaten 2-1 by Norwich City at Old Trafford on Saturday. He's not even sure if he can be called a great manager anymore. But the Dutchman doesn't think he should be sacked.

It was United's second defeat in a row to a newly promoted team, both coming hot on the heels of the club crashing out of the UEFA Champions League at the group stage.

These results have piled the pressure on Van Gaal, pressure that is starting to show, according to BBC Sport's Howard Nurse:

It was easy to sense the bewilderment in the Dutchman's words when he answered a direct question about his future:

His lack of confidence was painfully obvious at times, as noted by Squawka News:

But Van Gaal, understandably, doesn't believe changing managers is the answer, according to B/R's Paul Ansorge:

"

'I don't think a change of management shall bring direct success, but that is what I believe which in this matter is not so interesting'

— Paul Santacast (@UtdRantcast) December 19, 2015"

Van Gaal admitted that United's recent form isn't up to standard, per Squawka News:

The former Ajax and Bayern Munich coach also acknowledged how his current work isn't what United's supporters and decision-makers expect, during an interview with Sky Sports (h/t Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News):

Van Gaal hasn't exactly endeared himself to fans with his static behaviour in the dugout. While he stayed rooted to his seat during the second half against Norwich, assistant Ryan Giggs was the one up trying to rally the players.

Van Gaal didn't see this is as a problem. In fact, he apparently welcomes Giggs' actions:

"

Asked about Giggs on the touch line, says he was there last match and he can do that because they speak about that.

— Paul Santacast (@UtdRantcast) December 19, 2015"

But Van Gaal has insisted unity, both on and off the pitch, will be the real key to turning things around:

He also offered a timely reminder of his experience and how valuable a commodity it can be in times of struggle, as noted by BBC Sport: “I’ve encountered these circumstances also with other teams and other staff. The main thing is that you have to be professional and do the things that you have to do and work very hard to come out of this bad period."

His reference to the fans is a tricky one. United were booed off at half-time against the Canaries. As well as dissent from the stands, supporters were hardly shy about who they want to succeed Van Gaal, according to Squawka News:

Deposed former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will no doubt look like an attractive option to United fans desperate for success after two seasons without a trophy. The mini drought is unfamiliar territory for the Old Trafford club.

Red Devils' supporters should be careful what they wish for. Mourinho has won plenty of prizes, but his managerial style is often defined by defensive pragmatism. He's also been loath to give young players a chance.

Trusting the promise of youth and playing attractive football are hallmarks of United's history and core philosophy. They could be major factors in either deciding to keep Van Gaal around or in choosing his potential replacement.