Manchester United and Chelsea are used to seeing themselves at the top of the Barclay's Premier League, however, the two sides are struggling heading into the new year.
Chelsea fired manager Jose Mourinho earlier this month and find themselves one point above the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Manchester United hasn't won since Nov. 21 and could be looking for a replacement for manager Louis van Gaal according to the Daily Telegraph.
In an attempt to turn the season around, van Gaal held a meeting with Manchester United's senior players earlier this week. After the meeting, United captain Wayne Rooney spoke to Sky Sports about the current state of the club. "I think it's normal that confidence would be a bit lower," Rooney said on Thursday. "As a group of players, we know we can do better."
Winless in six games, United supporters are calling for van Gaal's head, but the Dutchman has the support of his captain. "We are fighting for the manager to try and get results and turn the season around." Rooney said.
The unemployed Mourinho lead Chelsea to an EPL championship just one year ago and despite being sacked, Blues supporters chanted his name during a game against Sunderland last week. Logically, Mourinho appeared to be a candidate to replace van Gaal in Manchester, according to the Daily Mail.
After being asked about the possibility of being replaced by Mourinho, van Gaal stormed out of a press conference on Wednesday, but not before delivering a five minute rant. Mourinho's agent confirmed on Wednesday there is no truth to those rumors, according to globoesporte Via Sports Illustrated. "We don't know what will happen in the future," he said, "but now there is no agreement. There isn't an official proposal either. That's not true."
Feeling the pressure of losing six in a row, van Gaal knows that this Saturday's match with Stoke City is a must win for United, according to the Daily Express. "We are not in a good position, but four weeks ago we were first in the Premier League and in four weeks' time we can be back in that position," van Gaal said.
