Louis van Gaal Slams Media's Quit Claims in Derby vs. Manchester United Presser

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has blasted reports he tendered his resignation earlier this week, labelling them “awful and horrible.”  

Van Gaal spoke to the media on Thursday ahead of his side’s FA Cup clash with Derby County on Friday, and he was asked about stories that surfaced stating he had offered to walk away from the job following his team's 1-0 loss to Southampton on Saturday, per Jamie Jackson of the Guardian.

The Dutchman was adamant that was not the case and criticised those who had reported it as such, per Jacob Murtagh of the Daily Mirror:

"

I think I don’t have mentioned that ever. You make your own stories. Then I have to answer. I am not doing that. It is awful and horrible but you can write.

It is the third time I am sacked and I am still sitting here. I am obliged to [attend press conferences]. A lot of people ask in a disrespectful way. I have always faith. When you lose it is worse. I predicted before Southampton. Now I cannot lose any more because then for the fourth time I have been sacked. Then it might be the truth.

"

Here’s a look at what the Dutchman had to say when asked about the resignation rumours, per BBC Sport's Dan Roan:

The manager also revealed he feels as though now is the time he needs to stand up and be counted as the leader of the football club, per the club's official website: “When you lose a game, especially in the last minute, you are fed up. But it is your duty as a manager and a player to stand up again and to do what you have to do, because that is a professional attitude.”

The manager also continued to be critical of the media, admitting he had mixed views on the assembled press, per Sky News' Paul Kelso:

Van Gaal was also quick to praise the club’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, but he admitted he doesn’t get an easy ride from him, per Oliver Kay of the Times:

Although winning the FA Cup would not have been top of United’s agenda this season, the Dutchman insisted it’s a competition they will do their utmost to win, per the club’s Twitter feed:

It’s a game in which you’d suspect Van Gaal would look to rotate his squad and maybe give a chance for some players making their way back from injury to get a run-out. The United boss revealed Michael Carrick is ready to feature in this contest, but he wasn’t so upbeat about the chances of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Phil Jones.

Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images

“I cannot say [if they are close],” he said of the latter duo, per Murtagh. “Every time I make a remark about injuries it is always difficult because injuries have developments and you have to wait and see.”

It’d be naive to think Van Gaal was not in a precarious position heading into Friday’s clash, and if United were to lose, the swell of supporters calling for him to be sacked would be significantly bolstered. By contrast, a solid win in a competition that has escaped the Red Devils since 2004 could ease some of the pressure, especially if a trip to Wembley becomes a possibility.

Nevertheless, Derby will be backed by a raucous crowd at the iPro Stadium, and after some shocking showings from United in recent weeks, they will fancy their chances of a famous victory.