Louis van Gaal latest: Manchester United will 'stand by their word' and give manager chance to save his job

Speculation regarding the Dutchman's future has intensified since last weekend's defeat to Norwich City

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal (Getty Images)

Manchester United will ‘stand by their word’ and give manager Louis van Gaal the chance to save his job with wins in the club’s upcoming fixtures.

Speculation regarding the 64-year-old's future intensified following last weekend's 2-1 home defeat to Norwich City, with the former Ajax and Barcelona boss receiving a 'must-win' ultimatum from the club's board.

It has since been suggested that Van Gaal could be relieved of his duties before the club's next Premier League fixture. However, he now looks set to be in the dugout for the trip to Stoke City on Boxing Day.

According to a report by ESPN, the 64-year-old was told before the defeat to Norwich City that he would need to win twice in the next three games to avoid the sack.

Following the loss, several members of the club’s hierarchy are said to have hoped that Van Gaal would resign and wished to terminate his contract with immediate effect if he did not.

However, it has emerged that the majority of United officials want to give him the chance to meet the ultimatum’s requirement, believing that it would go against the club’s traditions to dismiss him before the meeting with Stoke.

If the Dutchman follows three points at the Britannia Stadium with another win against Chelsea two days later, he could yet stay on at Old Trafford.

Although they are mindful of missing out on one of either Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola, United do not want to sully their relationship with their manager by dismissing him prematurely.

Earlier today, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger defended his Old Trafford peer and criticised the speculation surrounding his job as 'disrespectful'.

"I personally have a huge respect for Louis van Gaal and I think what is going on there is disrespectful," he said.

"This guy has worked for 30 years in football and has delivered unbelievable quality of work. I think it is a bit disrespectful what is going on there."