Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal admits he would feel 'betrayed' if the club had held talks with Jose Mourinho

 

Louis van Gaal would feel betrayed if Manchester United have talked to Jose Mourinho behind his back, but will not seek assurances from Old Trafford executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward over the issue.

Van Gaal believes his relationship with Woodward and club owners the Glazer family is strong enough that they would tell him if Mourinho had been contacted about taking over in the summer. 

United's manager is well-versed in football politics but admits he would feel let down if United were already negotiating with Mourinho — his friend and former Barcelona assistant. 

He said: 'Then I shall be disappointed, because that is the consequence of what I have said. In a football world that is possible, I know, but I do not think that. I have a relationship with Ed and the Glazers, they shall tell me, I think.' 

Asked if he will speak to the board over the matter, he replied: 'No, I don't think that I have to tell them.'

Mourinho has told friends that his appointment is a 'done deal', but the fierce speculation surrounding the former Chelsea manager has met with silence from within Old Trafford

It was put to Van Gaal that he would benefit from a public vote of confidence from his employers to clarify his position but he responded: 'I am not agreeing — I agree with this policy of the club.' 

It is understood that Woodward is continuing to back the Dutchman, although that loyalty could be stretched to the limit if United fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.

Van Gaal's hopes of completing his three-year contract before retiring in the summer of 2017 could hinge on his achieving that primary target, with United currently six points off the top-four with 13 games of the season remaining.

'It's not a question for me,' he said. 'It's a question for the board of Manchester United. You have to put it to them. I have a contract for three years, and you know that.'

United will again be without eight players for Saturday's trip to Sunderland, and Van Gaal believes a fourth-place finish would represent a good season considering his injury problems.

'I think so,' he said, 'but that analysis has to be made by the board, and maybe also by the media.

'I think that you have to always look at the circumstances — how you have to work, and I think this board is doing that.'

With Leicester taking on Arsenal at the Emirates and Manchester City hosting Tottenham on Sunday, Van Gaal hopes that United can close the gap at the Stadium of Light.

'In two games you can be level with your competitor,' he added. 'We know that they (the top four) play against each other so it's sure that some competitors will lose points — but we have to win our points.'

It was a more relaxed Van Gaal who faced the media at Carrington on Friday and he was able to smile when asked about the plans he has for his wife, Truus, on Valentine's Day.

'I will give my players a day off, so they can spoil their woman and I am spoiling my woman every day,' he replied. 'Yes, we are doing something special but I don't tell. It is very private.'