Reports: Louis van Gaal 'two games from the sack'

The Sun reports that van Gaal's days at Old Trafford are numbered - and that "United spoke to an intermediary about Mourinho even before Saturday’s defeat to Norwich."

They predict that van Gaal may not even be in charge for United's Boxing Day match against Stoke - and at best he will be gone by the New Year if results and performances do not improve immediately.

The Independent also emphasise the imminence of van Gaal's potential departure, reporting that if United lose either of their next two matches, he will be sacked.

Mark Ogden writes: "Despite Van Gaal claiming after the Norwich defeat that he retains the backing of his players, the Independent is aware of senior figures within the dressing room who have grown tired of the Dutchman’s approach, both in terms of tactics and a perceived obsession with critical post-match analysis in evaluation sessions overseen by performance analyst Max Reckers."

The Guardian agree that Mourinho is waiting in the wings, with Jamie Jackson reporting: "The sacking of Mourinho by Chelsea last week means United could appoint a coach considered to be one of the best in the world. The Portuguese issued a statement on Saturday in which he made clear a wish to return to work as soon as possible. Mourinho would seriously countenance taking over at United, having previously harboured a desire to do so before he began a second tenure at Chelsea."

The Express put the responsibility for United's managerial decisions firmly on their disgruntled fans, reporting: "A growing number of supporters are making it clear that they have had enough of Van Gaal and want Mourinho to take charge - in time for their next home game against his former club Chelsea on Monday."

Mourinho is not the only man who could replace Van Gaal, though. The Manchester Evening News quotes former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness, who speculated: "I think he is going to be examined during this holiday period by the people who make decisions at United. And whether it’s short-term or long-term, I can only see Ryan Giggs taking over."

Meanwhile, the Mirror's David McDonnell laid into the brand of football Van Gaal's United teams have served up, concluding: "Louis van Gaal can have few complaints if he is ushered into early retirement."