Louis van Gaal may have only two games to save his job as Manchester United manager. The Dutchman knows he must avoid defeat by Stoke City on Boxing Day and Chelsea two days later or he could be sacked, especially with Jose Mourinho now available as an instant replacement.

The next 24 hours could prove critical to Van Gaal remaining until the weekend. Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, speaks daily with the Glazers, who own the club, and is bound to debate the performance of the team and Van Gaal's position. If the Dutchman is still in place on Monday evening, he can expect to take the side for Saturday's trip to the Britannia Stadium.

Van Gaal is conscious, though, of the demand from the Glazers that United be serious contenders for the title this season. Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Norwich City at Old Trafford, the first at home over 90 minutes this season, dropped United to fifth place.

Mourinho free

The sacking of Mourinho by Chelsea last week means United could appoint a coach considered to be one of the best in the world. In a statement on Saturday he made clear a wish to return to work.

Mourinho would countenance taking over at United, having harboured a desire to do so before he began a second tenure at Chelsea.

One sticking point could be the reluctance of Bobby Charlton and Alex Ferguson to welcome him aboard. Mourinho believed he had a real chance of replacing Ferguson when the Scot retired in May 2013. Yet, despite his public admiration for Mourinho, Ferguson preferred David Moyes for the appointment. Charlton, instrumental in Ferguson becoming manager in 1986 and still a director, was also not minded to offer Mourinho the position.

Nevertheless this is the third season since Ferguson stepped down and his influence has receded. He is also a director but his role is largely ceremonial.

It clears the way for Mourinho to be appointed should Woodward wish. In addition to being the highest-ranking employee of the Glazers, Woodward is a friend of the owners and holds all of the power at United. He would have no compunction about driving Mourinho’s candidacy.

Pep Guardiola is another candidate should the Glazers sack Van Gaal. United believe Manchester City to be favourites to secure the Spaniard yet Woodward will explore whether Guardiola can be persuaded to take over at United at the close of the season. In this scenario Ryan Giggs – Van Gaal’s No2 – could be appointed as interim manager, as he was when replacing Moyes for the final four matches of the 2013-14 campaign. Guardiola would be appointed in the close season.

If Guardiola does not prove a viable replacement, Woodward and the Glazers could give Van Gaal more time and come to an agreement with Mourinho to replace him at a later time. This could be later in the season, if results continue to disappoint, or when it is finished.

Pressure

Van Gaal is under huge pressure following the defeat by Norwich and another unconvincing display. United have gone a month and six matches since their last victory.

He saw Woodward only briefly after the defeat but still believes the executive and the Glazers are behind him.

“Ed was very fast out of the dressing room but I feel that support, yes,” the manager said. “The most important support is from the players because the players have to do it on the pitch and the chemistry between the players and the managers, and his staff is very important.” Guardian Service