#360view: United must keep on improving

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  • Intense game: Manchester united vs Chelsea.

    Louis van Gaal has always claimed he has the support of his Manchester United players and the board.

    The first statement perhaps rung true last night when his side finally came out fighting against Chelsea.

    Whether that was for the under-fire Dutchman, the fans or themselves, only they can truly answer.

    If this was to be Louis’ Last Stand, they came out with all guns blazing and a clear statement on the pitch where it matters, rather than hollow words off it. It was a case of death or glory, or perhaps who dares wins.

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    In their dispiriting 2-0 loss at Stoke on Boxing Day, Van Gaal said his players “did not dare to play our football”.

    But against the Premier League champions who have had their own characteristics questioned following Jose Mourinho’s departure, the shackles were off and how they loved the freedom.

    They were cavalier, they were classy, snapping into tackles and storming in support, but they were unlucky too as only the woodwork denied them two first-half goals.

    If this is what they are capable of, and what the fans are desperate to see, where has it been all season?

    Given the number of chances, near-misses and brilliant saves by David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois, it also seems strange to be talking about a goalless draw again for United.

    That is their sixth since October, but Van Gaal and United deserved better against Guus Hiddink’s men. They deserved to be winners and the performance, rather than the result, might have bought Van Gaal some time.

    But it will be borrowed. United need to produce this sort of quality, committed display in every match to show that one good game, one earnest effort, is not just papering over cracks that need major rebuilding work, whether in January or the summer.

    Van Gaal says he won’t quit and now it is up to the board to back him or sack him.

    They should not dither, nor delay. The success of their season depends on a quick decision and a show of unity or change.

    Scarves and banners with Jose Mourinho for United were evident outside Old Trafford, but there was little hostility for him inside the ground.

    They are on a horrible winless run, but there is enough experience in that team to turn things around. Van Gaal believes he can sort it out, and so must the club.

    Change may be inevitable if the fans force the club’s hand and push for Mourinho or Pep Guardiola.

    But it is doubtful they, or any other manager of world repute, would come if United do not finish in the Premier League’s top four and don’t compete in the Champions League next season.

    They are currently sixth, but that target, with 15 games, is still possible and realistic. While they have fallen down the table, just five points separate United and third-placed Tottenham.

    And lest we forget the last time United went eight games without a victory in the 1989-90 season. It ended in January, an FA Cup tie at Nottingham Forest and a winner from Mark Robins.

    A certain Sir Alex Ferguson was tipped to get the sack if they lost that game, but he survived and went on to become the greatest manager in the club’s history.

    It might not happen much in the modern era, but sometimes it does pay to stand by your man.

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