Louis van Gaal future: Manchester United manager reviewed on a 'match-by-match' basis at Old Trafford

The Dutchman is on the brink with the Red Devils following the 1-0 home defeat to Southampton

Manchester Unitd manager Louis van Gaal is believed to have been told he cannot sign any players (Getty Images)

Manchester United are reportedly reviewing manager Louis van Gaal’s status on a match-by-match basis.

The Dutchman is on the brink at Old Trafford following the 1-0 home defeat to Southampton left them 10 points adrift of Premier League leaders Leicester City and five short of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

According to the Guardian, Van Gaal will remain in charge for the FA Cup fourth round tie at Derby County but, if disaster strikes again at the iPro Stadium on Friday night, the situation could yet change.

Speculation that the 64-year-old offered his resignation on Saturday evening appear premature but Ed Woodward, the chief executive, is known to have talked Van Gaal out of leaving the club in the past.

It would come as a surprise to few if the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss was relieved of his duties should United lose to the Rams this week. Ryan Giggs, the assistant manager, would likely be offered the post until the end of the season in that scenario.

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is believed to have compiled a six-page dossier to the Red Devils hierarchy last week outlining his suitability for the role should the post become vacant.

The uncertainty is likely to have caused considerable unrest among the first-team squad with Woodward said to have consulted a host of players about the escalating situation.

United have won only 11 of their past 29 top-flight matches.