Van Gaal’s new crisis talks to save season

LOUIS VAN GAAL has hauled in his Manchester United players for one-toone meetings in a bid to save their season.

Sixth-placed United face a crucial Manchester derby today with manager Van Gaal admitting defeat would all but finish their chances of a top-four finish. They follow with games against Everton, Tottenham and West Ham in the FA Cup sixth-round replay. The Dutchman knows any slip-ups will further tarnish his tenure at Old Trafford and wants his players to finish the season with a flourish.

He instigated a similar inquest following February’s embarrassing defeat to FC Midtjylland and was rewarded with a mini revival. However, a loss to West Brom and Europa League exit at the hands of rivals Liverpool have again rocked the Old Trafford camp.

Every player involved against Liverpool was called into Van Gaal’s office on Friday to face the manager individually.

The meetings began at 11.30am and continued throughout the day with each player given around 15 minutes to explain where he thought things were going wrong and what positives could be taken to move forward.

Van Gaal has given the players more input since talks with Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney at Christmas.

There was an acceptance that players abandoned Van Gaal’s gameplan in the first leg at Liverpool but improved in the return.

Van Gaal hopes the return of Ashley Young will add extra attacking impetus for the run-in while Ander Herrera hopes to quickly shake off a groin injury.