Manchester United have denied that Louis van Gaal has offered to resign as manager, with no meeting planned between him and executive vice- chairman Ed Woodward scheduled for today.

Woodward is not in Manchester today to meet the Dutchman, who flew into Manchester Airport last night after a trip to Holland, to begin preparations for Friday's FA Cup tie with Derby County.

Van Gaal may have asked United for at least the third time following Saturday’s home defeat to Southampton whether they require him to walk away. That has been his response to the lowest moments in the season, though on each of the three occasions he has been seeking a clarification of the club's views on him, rather than offering to quit.

Woodward is thought to be determined to hold on to Van Gaal until the summer if possible, rather than go through the mess of a mid-season change. The best scenario from the United board’s perspective is to get through to the end of the season and then amicably part company with the Dutchman, ahead of a more orderly succession.

Though defeats in the next two games could make the position untenable, an emergency severance is more likely to push United towards an out-of-work Jose Mourinho, whose management style is a source of deep uncertainty at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal was in Holland to help celebrate his daughter’s birthday yesterday. The disappointing season is a deep personal embarrassment to him but his loyalty to Woodward – who wants stability - are thought to make him inclined to continue for as long as he is wanted. Van Gaal, a proud individual more stung by supporters’ criticism than he outwardly admits, has resigned from six of his eight posts and been sacked only twice. He is far more likely to walk away than be fired.

Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Show all 23 1 /23 Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings David de Gea Helpless to deal with Southampton's winning goal. 6 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Phil Jones Looked to spark attacks from the back. 6 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Chris Smalling Unable to build on a strong first half display. 6 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Daley Blind Returned to the team as part of a three-man defence and failed to convince. 5 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Michael Carrick Often required to help out his defence at the vital moment. 6 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Antonio Valencia Supplied some testing crosses from the right that his teammates failed to capitalise on. 6 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Juan Mata Looked as threatening as ever on the ball, his shooting left little to be desired. 7 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Wayne Rooney Dropped deep into midfield in order to make something happen without success. 6 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Luke Shaw Booed by the away supporters on his reunion with Southampton, he performed well before being replaced. 6 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Robin Van Persie Cut a frustrated figure, he was booked for a bad challenge before being substituted. 5 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Angel Di Maria United's danger-man was guilty of trying to do much before he was subbed. 6 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Fraser Forster Struggled with his kicking at times, but was reliable in dealing with United's crosses into the box. 7 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Nathaniel Clyne Displayed a willingness to get forward from the opening minute, and never stopped running. 8 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Jose Fonte A rock at the heart of the Southampton defence, even after the loss of his defensive partner. 9 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Toby Alderweireld Looked a dominant presence back in central defence until his early injury blow. 6 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Ryan Bertrand Showed great energy in standing up well to United's attacks down the right. 8 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Steven Davis Calm in possession, and kept Southampton ticking over in midfield. 7 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Victor Wanyama Lacked the composure of his teammates on the ball, but crucial to breaking up the opposition's attacks. 7 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Morgan Schneiderlin A classy performer in midfield, he was culpable of a few needless fouls in dangerous positions. 8 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings James Ward-Prowse Excellent passing and responsible for a number of dangerous set pieces. 8 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Graziano Pelle Worked hard and pressurised from the front. 7 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Eljero Elia Showed pace and eagerness on debut before his removal for Tadic. 6 GETTY IMAGES Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 player ratings Dusan Tadic Took his time coming on, but proved to be the match-winner with a cool finish. 8 GETTY IMAGES

The club’s next fixture sees them travel to face Derby County in the FA Cup on Friday night. If they suffer yet another defeat, it is believed Woodward may agree that Van Gaal should walk away.

The Dutchman publicly admitted that he had failed United’s supporters following Saturday’s defeat, which ended with Van Gaal being roundly booed as he left the field.

"They are right to boo. I cannot deny that, I saw the match," he told the media after the match.

"For better or for worse we have to stick together. We are working very hard, but we have had a lot of injuries. That you cannot change."