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Stoke logo
Premier League
Dec 26, 2015 at 12.45pm UK
 
Manchester United logo

2-0

Bojan (19'), Arnautovic (26')
FT(HT: 2-0)

Louis van Gaal on the brink as Manchester United fail to win again

Louis van Gaal appears to be on the verge of losing his job as Manchester United manager following today's 2-0 defeat away at Stoke City.

Louis van Gaal may find himself out of a job this evening following Manchester United's 2-0 defeat away at Stoke City this afternoon, if recent reports are to be believed.

Louis van Gaal looks upset as he emerges for the second half of Manchester United's game at Stoke City on December 26, 2015© Getty Images

Winless in their last six outings in all competitions ahead of their trip to the Britannia Stadium, first-half goals from Bojan and Marko Arnautovic were enough to defeat United and heap pressure on the Dutchman, with Jose Mourinho said to be waiting in the wings.

Having taken the decision to drop captain Wayne Rooney, Van Gaal saw his side struggle to make much of an impact on proceedings during the opening exchanges in the Potteries.

Bojan Krkic celebrates scoring Stoke's first against Manchester United on December 26, 2015© Getty Images

There were no such problems for the home side, though, as they broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. United winger Memphis Depay - a £25m summer signing from PSV Eindhoven - failed to get the necessary power on a header that was intended for goalkeeper David de Gea. Stoke full-back Glen Johnson pounced and when he pulled the ball back for Bojan, the Spanish playmaker fired a low shot beyond two defenders on the line.

The goal put Mark Hughes's team in the ascendancy and it was little surprise when they doubled their lead seven minutes later. Bojan's set piece struck the United wall, but after the ball dropped for Arnautovic 20 yards from goal, the Austrian lashed a swerving shot beyond the reach of De Gea.

Marko Arnautovic celebrates scoring Stoke's second against Manchester United on December 26, 2015© Getty Images

Arnautovic had another chance to add a third goal shortly before the break after he had been released by Bojan, only to shoot wide of De Gea's goal on that occasion.

Rooney was introduced during the break at the expense of Depay, but United's No.10 was unable to inspire any sort of comeback. He did create his team's best opening in the 64th minute with a low cross from the right, but Marouane Fellaini shot straight at Jack Butland in the home goal.

Anthony Martial and Juan Mata both tested Butland as the final whistle approached and the Spaniard's effort was to be United's last assault on goal as they fell a to third Premier League defeat in a row, during which time they have scored just twice and conceded six goals.

As for eighth-placed Stoke, the three points have ended a run of two straight defeats.

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Manchester United's Dutch manager Louis van Gaal leaves the pitch at half-time during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, north west England, on November 7, 20
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