By Matt Burrows
Louis van Gaal will resign as Manchester United manager if his side lose to Chelsea on 29 December (NZT), according to reports in England.
A defeat to the Blues would make it five successive losses for the Red Devils, who were comfortably beaten 2-0 this morning at Stoke City.
United have strayed disappointingly far from the aggressive, attacking style of play they personified under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson so far this season, and many fans and former players have voiced their belief that the club may do better with someone else at the helm.
Speaking at a press conference after the loss to Stoke, Van Gaal revealed he may actually jump ship himself before the club are able to sack him.
"It is not always the club that has to sack me. Sometimes I do it by myself. I am the one who wants to speak first," the Dutchman said.
"I can also quit by myself but that is something I speak about with [Manchester United chairman] Ed Woodward and not with you. That is also something I don't have to say."
However, the 64-year-old is also very aware that the decision may not be in his hands – and that he may be fired before he gets the chance to manage United against Chelsea.
"It is getting more difficult because I am also part of the four defeats we have lost so people are looking at me and I have to deal with that," he added.
Manchester United have had a poor season thus far, slipping to 6th in the English Premier League table and being knocked out at the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.
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