Saturday 26 December 2015 12:56, UK
The Soccer Saturday pundits have delivered their verdicts on whether Louis van Gaal should remain as manager at Manchester United.
United currently sit outside the top four by virtue of goal difference, but head into their Boxing Day clash with Stoke City, live on Sky Sports 1, without a win in six games.
That run also saw them crash out of the Champions League, while the pressure on Van Gaal has cranked up amid media suggestions of a swift return to management for Jose Mourinho.
Here's what the four Soccer Saturday pundits have to say about Van Gaal's situation...
Charlie Nicholas
I think by rights Van Gaal should be given until the end of the season. I'm never a big fan of sacking managers, although he doesn't appear to know how to solve the problems at Old Trafford.
Some people are suggesting that United are a loyal club, but when have they ever shown faith? Thirty years ago, before Sir Alex Ferguson picked up a trophy? Their success has meant they've never had to be unfaithful. The fans couldn't wait to get the banners flying when David Moyes was struggling, and the owners wasted no time in getting rid.
In terms of his replacement, would the board trust Mourinho and his style of play? I think they're set for another loss at Stoke and why wouldn't Mark Hughes be mentioned? I'm a big fan of his. Yes, he's made a few mistakes but who hasn't?
There's no short-term fix and Ryan Giggs is part of the situation and that in itself detracts from him being the solution. I actually think he'd be better off going for the Swansea job right now.
If the crowd decide LVG has to go, then he'll have to go. The fans are the judge and jury, not me, not the media.
Charlie's verdict: The fans will decide Van Gaal's future
Matt Le Tissier
I'm expecting the winless run to continue at Stoke and for that enormous pressure to continue to grow. Fan power is strong in these situations and if you lose the supporters, then it's tough to turn it around.
I don't think it's just the six games without a win - they're not looking like they are going forward under Van Gaal.
If Mourinho wasn't available right now, I'd expect them to give him more time because I'm an advocate of letting managers build what they've bought, but it might be the deciding factor that the United board see this as their opportunity.
Le Tiss' verdict: Mourinho's availability to be decisive
Paul Merson
I don't like seeing managers getting sacked, but Manchester United aren't going anywhere at the moment. They are losing games against Bournemouth and Norwich. No disrespect to either of them, but United don't lose those games.
It's like the situation with Mourinho earlier this month. Would Chelsea have beaten Sunderland if Mourinho was still in charge? It seems that way with Van Gaal. I really can't see them winning football matches right now, but if he wasn't manager, then I could see them winning.
I don't see the players smiling at United, I don't see Van Gaal smiling either and I don't think he finds it too enjoyable. I don't think he'd be shedding tears if he got the sack.
He's under severe pressure, and I think it all comes down to Stoke away on Boxing Day. If he loses this game, I think he'll be doing very well to still be in his job by the time they play Chelsea on December 28.
Merse's verdict: Lose to Stoke, and Van Gaal will be axed
Phil Thompson
I think every manager deserves to have time and Van Gaal should be able to see it through to the end of the season.
That's how I feel but the swell of unpleasantness coming from the United faithful is pushing for a change, more so because of Mourinho now being available and Pep Guardiola making his intentions clear.
Sir Alex Ferguson recently sat on a panel and described Mourinho as the best manager in the world and lauded praise on him, and he'll have his say and remind the board that the opportunity to go and get Mourinho might not come along again.
Thommo's verdict: Deserves until the end of the season
