Louis van Gaal 'considering quitting Manchester United at the end of this season'

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is reportedly considering walking away from Old Trafford at the end of this season. The 64-year-old Dutchman's three-year contract is set to expire in 2017 but he is apparently contemplating quitting the club 12 months prematurely.

Van Gaal has come under pressure in recent weeks following a string of poor results, which included losses to Norwich City and Stoke City in the Premier League. His family are said to have become increasingly concerned by the toll the United job is having on the Champions League-winning coach, according to reports.

Van Gaal is reported to have raised the possibility of walking away from United during the club's eight-game winless run at the end of 2015, complaining the speculation was having an unwelcome impact on his friends and family. It is now understood the pressure of the job may lead him to retire 12 months sooner than he had planned.

Various managers have already been linked with the coveted managerial job at United, including former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and current assistant manager Ryan Giggs. Despite this, United presently sit seven points off the top of the table, with Van Gaal recently claiming they remain in the hunt for the Premier League title.

"We can do it [win the title]," Van Gaal said after United's 1-0 win against Liverpool on 17 January, according to The Mirror. "Now we have made a good start in 2016, to beat Liverpool for the second time in a row is it marvellous, it gives a big boost for the players and the fans. I hope it shall continue with winning. That is why we are here, to win our games and at end of the season to be in the first three positions of the league."