Van Gaal leads United training as club denies resignation offer

LONDON — Louis Van Gaal went back to work training Manchester United stars Tuesday after the club denied he had offered to resign. According to some media, Van Gaal faces a crunch meeting with United executive vice chairman Ed Woodward Tuesday amid supporter anger over the 1-0 defeat by Southampton. Van Gaal went back to the Netherlands after the Old Trafford loss for a planned family visit and the players were given Sunday and Monday off. Amid intense speculation about his future, a Manchester United club source denied reports that the 64-year-old former Dutch national boss had offered his resignation Saturday. And Van Gaal was seen arriving at United's Carrington complex to take training. Media reports said he was to have talks with the English giant top management later Tuesday. After suffering a sixth league defeat of the season, Van Gaal must also lift his players for Friday's FA Cup fourth round trip to Derby County. Loud jeers rang around Old Trafford as the team left the field following Saturday's loss and another poor result would heighten pressure for change at Manchester. With United now five points off the top four, out of the Champions League and having only won only three of its last 13 matches in all competitions, Van Gaal said later he could understand fans' frustration. "I'm very disappointed that I cannot reach the expectations of the fans," he said. "They have — or they had — great expectations of me, and I cannot fulfill them." Britain's Guardian newspaper earlier reported that the club's executive vice chairman, Ed Woodward, had persuaded the Dutchman to stay following the 1-0 defeat which resulted in fans booing the team and Van Gaal off the pitch. Woodward told Van Gaal to speak to his family before making a decision over his future, the newspaper said.