Manchester United: Future of Louis van Gaal to be questioned in quarterly financial review

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is expected to face questions over the future of Louis van Gaal, not to mention the prospect of the impact on a season without Champions League football, when he unveils the club's second quarterly figures of the current season. Woodward is to address investors next Thursday (11 February) and is due to be probed over the club's uncertain campaign.

The club are expected to announced a significant increase in revenue in line with the 39.3% jump they experienced during the three-month period ending 30 September 2015. Old Trafford officials have forecast annual revenue of upwards of £500m, and the latest figures are likely to highlight the record 10-year £750m kit deal with Adidas and return to elite European competition.

However, United's performances on the field have been in stark contrast to their impressive financial figures. Having been knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage and currently outside of the Premier League top four, their performances under an increasingly under-pressure van Gaal is likely to influence their financial success in the future.

After providing an overview of the last quarter up to the end of December 2015, Woodward is expected to face questions over the results and future projections – which may include enquiries into the job security of van Gaal, given the financial impact a sacking of the Dutch manager would have. David Moyes was paid £5.2m after being sacked eight months into his six-year deal at United, and van Gaal would likewise be due a severance package should his three-year contract be cut short.

Woodward may also be asked to provide an estimate regarding United's business in the summer transfer window. The club chief is regularly asked to predict their upcoming capital expenditure – news that should interest supporters following a lacklustre season so far. United typically work to a plan of signing three new players and selling three during the summer break, but this could change after they refrained from making any additions in the January transfer window.