Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal deserves more time and any speculation surrounding his future is disrespectful, according to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

United's poor form has seen them fail to win in six games, prompting speculation that 64-year-old van Gaal, who took charge of the club in 2014, could be replaced by three-times Premier League title winner Jose Mourinho.

But speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Gunners trip to Southampton on Boxing Day, Wenger said such talk was disrespectful and that van Gaal should not be dismissed.

"I do not want to go in a world of speculation. I have personally huge respect for Louis van Gaal and I think what's going there at the moment is disrespectful, you know," he said.

"And this guy he has worked for 30 years in football and has delivered unbelievable quality of work and I think it's a bit disrespectful, what's going on there... Of course he deserves more time," added Wenger.

United's winless streak has seen them drop out of the Champions League places, with the Red Devils going into Christmas in 5th position.

Arsenal on the other hand are 2nd in the table, two points behind surprise league leaders Leicester City, after a 2-1 win over title rivals Manchester City on 21 December.

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