Manchester United squad ask Louis van Gaal to change methods

In a bid to save his job as Manchester United manager, Louis van Gaal reportedly held a crisis meeting with the players following Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Norwich City.

During the talks, it is believed that a number of senior squad members – including Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick – encouraged the Dutchman to alter some of his methods.

According to the Daily Mail, one of the main topics of conversation was the possession-based playing style that the Red Devils have adopted under the 64-year-old.

The report adds that the players have also asked for some of the training sessions to be changed in the belief that their strenuous nature has caused some of the injury problems that have been suffered this season.

Winless in their last six games in all competitions, there have been suggestions that Van Gaal will lose his job if United are defeated in either of their next two outings against Stoke City and Chelsea.

However, these supposed discussions with the squad have suggested that Van Gaal remains determined to at least see out the remaining 18 months on his contract at Old Trafford.

Jose Mourinho is the favourite to replace his once mentor at Barcelona, although the Portuguese’s agent Jorge Mendes insisted last night that there has been no dialogue between himself and United regarding his client.