Manchester United: Louis van Gaal storms out of pre-match press conference after just five minutes

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal condemned the media and demanded an apology during a press conference following a week of speculation over his future at the club – before storming out after just five minutes.

Van Gaal's future at Old Trafford is under mounting pressure following three back-to-back defeats, which have seen the club crash out of the Champions League and fall away from the Premier League top four.

Ahead of his side's Boxing Day (26 December) clash with Stoke City, the United boss asked journalists in attendance if they would apologise, following a number of reports claiming he has two games to save his job.

"I think I was already sacked. Or have been sacked. Or that my colleague [Jose Mourinho] was here already," van Gaal said, before telling the room he was only there because of Premier League rules, the Manchester Evening News reports.

"Has anybody in this room not a feeling to apologise to me? That's what I'm wondering. I think I was already sacked, I read."

"I want to say only that I have tried to lift the confidence of my players. I have done everything this week. I held meetings, evaluation meetings with players and members of staff. I held a Christmas lunch, I held a speech and I feel the warmth and support of everyone in Carrington, the Aon Training Complex."

Van Gaal then wished everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year before leaving the press room.

"You have to stick by facts and when I get calls off Alex Ferguson, David Gill, and Ed Woodward because you are creating something that's not good. I wish you a merry Christmas and also maybe a happy New Year when I see you. Enjoy the wine and a mince pie. Goodbye."