Louis van Gaal walks out of Manchester United press conference as sacking rumours persist

Manchester United coach Louis van Gaal walked out of his pre-match press conference against Stoke City, as the pressure on him grew.

Rumours have persisted that Manchester United will sack Van Gaal in the coming weeks, but Edward Woodward's disorganisation - and obvious lack of support when asked by the media - meant that Van Gaal was forced to walk into a press conference as a dead man walking.

In a conference that lasted less than five minutes, Van Gaal asked for an apology from the journalists, refused to take questions from newspaper hacks, but still found time to say he hoped they would enjoy their wine and mince pies.

It still appears more than likely that Van Gaal will be sacked before the end of 2016, with Jose Mourinho favourite to take over the job.

Unusual press conf. Van Gaal asked for apology, told everyone to enjoy their wine and mince pies and announced he wasn't taking newspaper Qs

— Daniel Taylor (@DTguardian) December 23, 2015

Press conf lasted 4mins 58secs. Important line pre-walkout: Van Gaal said he had received assurances from Woodward, Ferguson and Gill #mufc

— Daniel Taylor (@DTguardian) December 23, 2015