Louis van Gaal's Manchester United have won three of their last five Premier League games

On the eve of United’s visit to Mourinho’s former club Van Gaal admitted that he is only now emerging from a dark tunnel of despair which has seen speculation mount over his future.

Some of it has revolved around Mourinho replacing Van Gaal either imminently or in the summer.

Since the goalless home draw against Chelsea on December 28th United have won four, drawn one and lost one of their six games easing the pressure on the Dutchman.

He admitted: “I know that there has been such a lot of nonsense created around me but I can’t believe that there is already a relationship with Jose Mourinho and Manchester United.”