Football: Van Gaal staying at Old Trafford

United's manager Louis van Gaal. Photo/ AP

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has been given assurances over his future at the club according to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

He has one year left to run on a three-year contract signed when he succeeded David Moyes in 2014, but has faced scrutiny this season for several disappointing performances and results.

United are currently fifth in the Premier League table after 31 games with 53 points, 16 behind the pace of leaders Leicester and have suffered early exits from the Champions League and Capital One Cup.

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and current Red Devils assistant Ryan Giggs have been heavily tipped to replace Van Gaal if he leaves his post this summer, with such speculation intensifying after the 64-year-old was not featured in promotional material for United's tour of China.

De Telegraaf, however, report that Van Gaal has won a significant battle with United's commercial department to ensure that the team only plays two games during an eight-day trip to the Far East.

The newspaper goes on to suggest that Van Gaal will be given a sizeable transfer kitty to the tune of £80million, with Everton striker Romelu Lukaku identified as a priority target.

United beat Everton in the Premier League at the weekend, edging them 1-0 at Old Trafford.

Much of the criticism surrounding Van Gaal this term has related to his side's style of play, seemingly lacking a cutting edge in its attack.

Indeed, United have racked up the second-lowest goal total of any team in the top half of the table during this campaign.

After the win over the Toffees, the ex-Ajax and Bayern Munich boss admitted the result had felt like a 'stolen victory'.

Since arriving at United, Van Gaal has been backed considerably in the transfer market, but has enjoyed limited success with his signings.

Argentina international forward Angel di Maria, for example, cost a club-record £60m from Real Madrid, but was sold to Paris Saint-Germain after a solitary, uninspiring season. -- Daily Mail