But according to the Daily Mail, the only reason Van Gaal has not been sacked yet is down to Woodward’s reluctance to admit his mistake in appointing him.
The report claims senior figures are ready to axe the 64-year-old, and believe Woodward should have already shown Van Gaal the door weeks ago.
Woodward has remained coy on Van Gaal’s future in recent months but is said to have discussed his concerns over United’s affairs with senior figures and players at the club.
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Despite United’s board playing a key part in making decisions at senior level, Woodward has the final say on who gets hired and who gets fired.
Woodward is concerned about firing Van Gaal mid-season, having ended David Moyes’ reign in 2014 after just 10 months.
United sit fifth in the table, six points behind fourth-placed Manchester City with their chances of securing a Champions League spot in major doubt.