Louis van Gaal has admitted that he has failed at Manchester United, while José Mourinho is increasingly optimistic about his prospects of becoming the club’s next manager.

United are understood to have held talks with Mourinho’s camp about the former Chelsea manager replacing Van Gaal next summer, but the situation could be brought to a head sooner if results continue to deteriorate and the Dutchman is sacked or walks away.

In what seemed close to a parting statement, Van Gaal said that he could not deliver what the fans wanted after seeing large sections of Old Trafford turn on him after a spineless 1-0 defeat at home to Southampton on Saturday.

“I’m very disappointed that I cannot reach the expectations of the fans,” Van Gaal