Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal admits he is under increasing pressure following Saturday’s home defeat to Norwich.

The Red Devils have been heavily criticised for their performances this season but having previously scraped results together, they seem to have lost their winning touch.

Saturday’s defeat was their third in a row and caused them to drop out of the top four.

United remain at 1.70 to finish in the Champions League places but there is a growing feeling they must improve quickly if they are to enjoy success this season.

With Jose Mourinho being sacked by Chelsea earlier this week, the pressure is now on Van Gaal to deliver and rumours are rife that the Old Trafford board could consider an approach for the Portuguese if their problems continue.

Next up for the Red Devils is a difficult trip to Stoke on Boxing Day, a game they are currently priced at 2.20 to win, while the draw is at 3.20 and the Potters at 3.30.

Van Gaal admits the pressure is on him to transform his side’s fortunes after their poor first half to the season but insists it would be a mistake for the club to sack him at this stage in the campaign.

“That is happening now. I cannot close my eyes to that,” Van Gaal told reporters. “That’s the football world. I know that, my board knows that, my players know that. We’re not used to that because normally we win, so it’s a difficult period.

“I don’t think a change of management shall bring direct success – but that is what I believe. Maybe that is not so interesting.”