Louis van Gaal faces sack 'unless Manchester United finish in the top three'

Dutch coach needs to guarantee Champions League football next season

(Getty Images)

Louis van Gaal is facing the sack if he doesn't lead Manchester United to the top three this season, according to reports.

United, who currently sit fourth, crashed out of the group stages on Tuesday night and will play in the bloated Europa League.

The Dutchman has a contract at Old Trafford until the end of June 2017, but according to the Daily Express, faces the chop if he doesn't finish in the top three - finishing fourth would mean the club have to start their season early to play in qualifiers, like they did at the start of this campaign.

As reported by The Independent, United consider winning the Premier League a bigger priority and prize than advancing into the latter stages of the Champions League, but the pressure has now increased on Van Gaal to deliver the title.

Given the £250million investment into the squad since Van Gaal arrived, along with Chelsea's demise, United chiefs see this season as the perfect opportunity to really push for the top spots.

Van Gaal has been heavily criticised this season for his team's dour style of play, with United's last six games at Old Trafford bringing just three goals.

United fans were also unhappy with his team selection against Wolfsburg and the decision to play Nick Powell over Ashley Young.