Reuters
The Dutchman came under increased pressure after Thursday night's shock Europa League defeat to Danish minnows FC Midtjylland, report the Manchester Evening News.
Now United face a trip to Shrewsbury in the FA Cup with confidence at a fragile low.
A crunch seven days ends with a Premier League clash against title-chasing Arsenal that could cut them further adrift of the race for the top four.
It is not clear if United’s hierarchy have the appetite to end Van Gaal’s reign before the end of the season - but another set of damaging results could effectively call time on his tenure and prompt executive vice chairman Ed Woodward to intensify attempts to secure a replacement in the summer.
In pictures: United lose in Denmark
Jose Mourinho is the favourite to succeed the 64-year-old even if Van Gaal says he has been given assurances that there are no moves to unseat him.
Defeat to Midtjylland was the latest blow to his chances of seeing out his three-year contract - and a Europa League exit would pile the pressure on him.
Europe’s secondary competition now represents United’s best chance of securing their minimum target of Champions League qualification.
Should Van Gaal win the FA Cup, he could at least point to that as a degree of success during his time in England.
But the chastening nature of defeat in Denmark on Thursday has only heightened anxiety of another setback - even against League One Shrewsbury on Monday.
United ended David Moyes’ ill-fated reign in 2014 as soon as it was confirmed they would miss out on the Champions League.
Having witnessed the financial benefits of their return to the competition this season, their investors on the New York Stock Exchange demand that they stay at Europe’s top table.
Sitting six points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City, United are still some way off losing hope of a top four finish.
But with a growing injury list and little sign of Van Gaal turning a desperately disappointing season around, the pressure is mounting.
While the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach may be allowed to see out the campaign even if United fail to claim a top four spot - he is fighting for his future beyond that, with out of work Mourinho lying in wait.
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