Pressure mounts on Louis van Gaal as United lose 2-0
Began and Arnautovic strike early to take the points.
After an explosive press conference it looks like Louis Van Gaal will be doing the apologising as Manchester United slip out of the top-four to 6th.
Skipper Wayne Rooney was left out of the starting the line up, as United started with Marouane Fellani and Anthony Martial.
Stoke were fantastic and as usual utilised the whole pitch as the wingers ran riot.
Summary
The backline of United couldn’t the pressure and eventually gave in after Memphis Depay made an error clearing. The mistake enabled Stoke to pounce with Bojan converting the square ball from Glen Johnson.
Minutes later on form winger Marko Arnautovic made it 2 slotting the ball past David De Gea.
Rooney was brought in the second half as Van Gaal desperately tried to turn the situation around.
A few more chances were created which were dealt with by Jack Butland. The inform keeper continued his great run and kept another clean sheet.
Pressure will continue build as Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola are available.
The win for Stoke puts them 8th in the table on 26 points, while United sit 6th on 29 points.
Match Reaction
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes: “I thought we were excellent in the first half. We looked to be positive and tried to get in behind their back four.
“They may have got some momentum but we saw it out quite comfortably.
“We wanted to be on the front foot and force errors and that’s what happened. We have got players who can take chances but they might have taken more this season.”
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal: “We have lost the game in the first 45 minutes because we didn’t dare to play our football.
“I thought it was the right decision [to leave out Wayne Rooney] otherwise I would not have done it.
“I have received it [backing of club] all the time but we have lost today so there is a new situation. I feel the support of my players and my board. The fans will be disappointed but that is logical after four defeats.”
