United boss Louis van Gaal packs bags ahead of Chelsea clash

Man under pressure: Louis van Gaal, manager of Manchester United. Photo/Getty.

Louis van Gaal has packed his bags ahead of Manchester United's home match against Chelsea but he has not been sent packing by the Old Trafford outfit just yet.

The under-fire Manchester United boss looked downbeat as he made his way into The Lowry Hotel, the club's base ahead of home games, along with his coaching staff and players ahead of Monday's make-or-break fixture.

Van Gaal could be preparing to take charge of United for the last time as a fifth consecutive defeat could see him leave Old Trafford.

The 64-year-old Dutchman may even resign if he fails to claim three points against Guus Hiddink's Chelsea.

Van Gaal hinted after United's 2-0 Boxing Day defeat by Stoke City that he would leave the club if results did not improve.

"It is not always the club that has to sack me," said Van Gaal.

"Sometimes I do it by myself. I am the one who wants to speak first."

United are currently suffering their worst run of form since 1961, with their last victory coming against Watford on November 21.

The Red Devils will be hoping to get back to winning ways against Chelsea, a side who have also struggled to impress this season.

Former Blues boss Jose Mourinho is waiting in the wings should Van Gaal leave his Old Trafford post in the coming weeks, while assistant manager Ryan Giggs has also been tipped to take over the reins.

It's not all doom and gloom for Van Gaal as Bastian Schweinsteiger is available for selection after serving a three-match ban.

Right back Matteo Darmian could also feature after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury.

- Daily Mail