Louis van Gaal Reportedly Rejects Netherlands Role for Manchester United Stay

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has reportedly turned down an offer to become a technical director with the Dutch FA in order to see out his final year at Old Trafford. 

That's according to the Sun's Geoff Sweet, who noted the Dutchman has widely been expected to depart his role as United boss in favour of Jose Mourinho this summer.

Sweet added that reports in his native Netherlands suggest the 64-year-old has "received a vote of confidence" from the Red Devils board.

Indeed, according to Marcel van der Kraan of Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf (h/t NBC Sports' Joe Prince-Wright), Van Gaal will be backed in the transfer market and complete his third and final season with United. Van Gaal was, however, formerly a columnist with the outlet, and his history with them could be influencing the report, as Wright noted.

Sports writer Jonas Giaever remains unconvinced:

United legend Sir Alex Ferguson lent his support to the beleaguered manager, calling for the club and fans to show "patience" with him, according to Sky Sports (h/t Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News), citing the injuries he's had to deal with this season.

Luckhurst disagrees with the Scot's assertion, however:

He believes any rumours linking United with transfers this summer mean little in regard to Van Gaal's future:

The Dutchman has attracted criticism throughout the campaign as United have sunk to new lows since Ferguson's retirement, arguably worse than David Moyes' unsuccessful stint in the hot seat.

The Red Devils have been well off the pace in the race for the title and could miss out on the UEFA Champions League for the second time in three years as they sit fifth in the table with Manchester City ahead of them and in-form West Ham United close behind.

United have routinely failed to inspire confidence or provide the entertaining attacking football that became the norm under Ferguson.

They may yet finish in the top four, and they're still in the FA Cup, so the campaign may yet be salvaged. The former Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager has also boasted an impressive record against the Premier League's best and brightest, per Squawka Football:

However, the tedium and disappointment that has permeated their season ensures a top-four finish and an FA Cup win still aren't likely to be enough for many of the Old Trafford faithful.

If Van Gaal does see out his tenure with the club, he'll face a difficult task of winning back the supporters—many of whom will undoubtedly be disappointed if Mourinho is not brought in—and competing with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and Antonio Conte's Chelsea.