Louis van Gaal did not offer to resign after Southampton loss

By Sky Sports News HQ

James Cooper understands Louis van Gaal did not offer his resignation

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal did not offer to resign following Saturday's defeat to Southampton, sources at the club have told Sky Sports News HQ.

Several newspaper reports claimed Van Gaal tendered his resignation after Charlie Austin's late header at Old Trafford condemned United to their sixth league defeat of the season and left them five points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham.

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But Sky Sports News HQ reporter James Cooper says no such offer was made and there is no suggestion that Van Gaal will end his tenure in the next 24 hours.

The Dutchman returned to the Netherlands to celebrate his daughter's birthday after the loss - with the players given the day off from training on Monday - but is now back to prepare his team for Friday's FA Cup clash at Derby County.

Image: Van Gaal was photographed at Manchester airport on Sunday afternoon (picture courtesy of Laura Wolfe)

In his absence, United chief executive Ed Woodward held talks with a number of players and senior figures at Old Trafford to discuss Van Gaal and recent performances, although Woodward is not expected in Manchester on Tuesday. 

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The weekend meeting with Southampton saw United fail to win for the 18th time in 34 competitive matches this season.

Image: Ed Woodward spoke to senior Manchester United players after the Southampton defeat

Ten of their last 11 games at Old Trafford have been 0-0 at half-time and they have scored only two first-half goals at home in the Premier League since last summer.

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They are already out of the Champions League and were knocked out of the Capital One Cup on penalties by Middlesbrough.

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Fans seem to have become disillusioned with the team's playing style, calling for more emphasis on attack while Van Gaal has adopted a more defensive approach.

The club has also yet to win a trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, despite Van Gaal spending almost £250m in the last 18 months.

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