COMMENT: It was Groundhog Day in America this week, but for Louis Van Gaal the questions are now on permanent repeat.
The rumours have intensified that Jose Mourinho has been sounded out to replace the Dutchman in the summer. Whilst Manchester United themselves haven't denied the claims, Van Gaal has took to the defensive in response to the repetitive questions that he's faced from each and every media outlet.
Just like Groundhog Day, the United fixtures have repeated themselves. The end of December saw United face Stoke and Chelsea in consecutive games and those two fixtures were repeated last week. The first 45 minutes away at Stoke on Boxing Day saw United slump to a 2-0 loss, with many thinking that it would be the end of Van Gaal's reign. The second 45 minutes was much improved and the introduction of a dropped Wayne Rooney acted as a catalyst for his recent return to form.
It was Rooney who on Tuesday night was instrumental in some fast flowing football that lit up Old Trafford after its recent slump. United fans dreaded another Groundhog Day return of no first half goals since September, but the fans in the Scoreboard End soon witnessed a goal as Jesse Lingard put his head onto the end of a delightful Cameron Borthwick-Jackson cross. Moments later and United scored one of their goals of the season and perhaps the only flowing move under the reign of Van Gaal.
The move started in United's own box and ended up with a stunning finish from the young Frenchman Martial. Groundhog Day once more for those in the Scoreboard End as they witnessed another goal! The football continued in the second half and it was Martial who turned provider for Rooney to finish off another flowing move. 3-0 to United and the team cheered off to the delight of the home support.
The Christmas fixture at home to Chelsea was a much improved performance, but United struggled to break down a revived looking Blues side. Chelsea's recent results have been mixed and the sacking of Mourinho hasn't had the dramatic effect many predicted it would.
Stamford Bridge has always been a difficult hunting ground for United in the Premier League, but United and their fans went there with renewed optimism following the midweek win. United started well, Van Gaal was impressed with United's possession, whilst the fans saw an attacking intent in the team.
Despite the first half possession, it took a stunning Jesse Lingard strike to give United the lead. Chelsea threatened and United probably sat back a little too much. The traveling United fans serenaded David de Gea with a song to the classic Crowded House tune "Everywhere we go, we'll always take De Gea with us" and United were grateful that he was once again with us, as he pulled off a series of fine saves.
However, deep into injury time, Diego Costa benefited from a slip by Daley Blind and despite a lunge from Borthwick-Jackson managed to strike the ball past De Gea and earn Chelsea a late equaliser.
A more promising performance from United, but failure to take an attacking hold of a game and find a second goal once again cost us. The post-match questions once again focused on the future of the United manager as a top four finish looks a very tough ask.
United fans and the players can take heart in the performances this week but two points dropped could be costly come May.
Andrew is the co-founder of Stretford End Flags, an independent fans group set up to improve the atmosphere and colour within Old Trafford. SEF provide the famous Stretford End banners. Visit stretfordendflags.com for more information - and to get involved.
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