Tuesday 10 May 2016 20:43, UK
Manchester United might have frustrated their fans for long spells this season but Louis van Gaal could yet deliver Champions League football and the FA Cup.
United have spent the majority of the campaign hanging on to the coat-tails of the top four, watching those above battle for the title and seeing neighbours City make history at the Etihad by reaching the semi-finals of Europe's top club competition.
Discontent over results has also been compounded by a failure to entertain. Promoted Bournemouth have scored the same amount of Premier League goals this season and Saturday's 1-0 win at struggling Norwich typified the sort of industrious performance that seems a world away from the fast-and-furious attacking football fans witnessed during Sir Alex Ferguson's glory days.
Frustration in the stands and criticism from the press have fuelled suggestions that Jose Mourinho could take over in the summer, with Sky Bet making United just 1/4 to be the next destination for the 'Special One'.
However, but for Leicester's stunning success, Van Gaal's men, who will seal a top-four spot if they win their remaining two games - starting with Tuesday's Sky Live trip to West Ham - could finish the campaign with more to cheer about than any of their rivals
We asked the Soccer Saturday pundits Charlie Nicholas, Matt Le Tissier and Paul Merson whether that double success would warrant keeping Van Gaal at the helm...
Charlie Nicholas - 'Progress made under LVG'
His brief when he first got here was to get United back in the Champions League and for as much as the money they've spent, which wasn't on top-class players, and as much as people want to dislike him, he'll have done a good job if United win their remaining games.
Manchester United are not a top club any more and if they win the FA Cup and get top four, then they'll have achieved as much as Arsenal over the last two seasons.
Van Gaal secured Champions League football in his first season and to then finish above Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool and secure silverware - despite their injury problems - has to be considered as progress.
Jose Mourinho would come in, get rid of the kids and spend another quarter of a billion, whereas we're now thinking they might not have to buy as much if they continue to develop the young players.
United have been buying time to maintain their status but if Van Gaal can bring them Champions League football and the FA Cup, then he'll have managed that with the bonus of bringing through some very promising youngsters.
Phil Thompson - 'Too late for Van Gaal'
If you're asking my honest opinion, then I think the deal is already done. There's been a lot in the papers and United have a very close relationship with Jorge Mendes, Mourinho's super agent.
There's also been the talk that they're still harbouring the idea of bringing back Cristiano Ronaldo, who also has Mendes as his agent, so Mourinho coming in could sway that.
If Van Gaal did win the FA Cup and finish in the top four, then my option is that he should get the other year, but I think it would be extremely difficult for United to go back on an agreement because Mourinho isn't the sort of guy that waits around.
Paul Merson - 'No point Van Gaal staying'
It really depends on the criteria Manchester United set before the start of the season. Things have been alright of late and the season could end on a high, with Man City doing a good job of throwing Champions League qualification away.
However, look at how unhappy the fans were at the start of the season. Whatever happens in the next few weeks, it's difficult to forget that.
I don't think he will stay. You need to look at the all-round picture. Jose Mourinho is available but he won't wait around forever. He won't want to put out a fire at the start of next season. He will want to come in over the summer and bring his own players.
What's the point in Van Gaal staying for a year, bringing in more players and then leaving after his contract? They could make the decision now and start building for the future. For me, you make the decision and go and get Mourinho.
