Manchester United crisis: Ex-Red Devils midfielder Arnold Muhren urges Louis van Gaal to resign

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has been urged to resign from his post at Old Trafford by former Red Devils and Netherlands international Arnold Muhren. The Premier League giants have had a nightmarish season and one of their lowest points came when they lost 2-1 to FC Midtjylland in the first leg of the Europa League last 32 tie on 18 February.

The 20-time English champions went without a win in December, which saw them drop out of the top four and also get knocked out of the Champions League. The United manager came under immense pressure and it continued in 2016. Van Gaal says he has the backing of the board, which has helped him retain his position at Old Trafford.

According to the Telegraph, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward will not show the exit door to Van Gaal. Muhren has urged his compatriot to step down after the Red Devils continue to struggle under his guidance.

"Yeah, but he says he doesn't want to do that [resign]. I think he would see that as a big loss. They let him spend a lot of money. People shouldn't forget that he also sold some players. But besides that, a club like United should play for trophies all the time," Muhren told Omnisport, as quoted by Goal.com.

"There were several moments this year that they didn't play well and the results were bad as well. If you don't play well but you win, they think 'OK but at least we have three points'. But they don't play good. It's also not a stable team. There were so many changings during the season."

"Manchester United are so big. The club is well known in the whole world so they always have to play for trophies. I think Louis van Gaal is a fantastic manager. I think everyone knows that.

"But if you sign a three-year deal like Van Gaal did and you say 'OK the first year we see how it goes, the second year we have to be at the top four and the third year we're going to be champions...' You don't have that much time at a club like Manchester United.

"If you sign there you can't say we have to be there within a couple of years. You have to perform immediately."