Ed Woodward: The Man To Decide Louis van Gaal's Future?

Louis van Gaal's future at Manchester United remains uncertain, but who will ultimately decide his fate? And who are the parties that could influence the decision?

It is understood that United chief executive Ed Woodward has held talks with senior players and figures at the club to discuss Van Gaal and the team's recent performances.

But, contrary to some reports, Sky sources understand Van Gaal did not offer to resign after Saturday's home defeat by Southampton - a result that left United with their lowest-ever points total at this stage of a Premier League season.

With his position still very much in the spotlight, we take a look at some of the key questions around the Dutchman's tenure, and the key figures who will have the final say on his future...

How many people are on the United board?

There are 12 members on the board of directors, including Woodward, six members of the Glazer family - the club's American owners - commercial director Jamie Reigle and group managing director Richard Arnold.

There is also an ambassadorial group that includes former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, club legend Sir Bobby Charlton and former chief executive David Gill.

So would any sacking be a group decision?

No. The man ultimately responsible for the hiring and firing of managers is Woodward, who has a close relationship with the Glazers and is trusted by them to make the big decisions.

Sky Sports News HQ understands other members of the board will not be consulted on the final decision, so the focus is very much on Woodward to make the call.

The former investment banker was appointed to the board in 2012 and was responsible for sacking David Moyes, as well as hiring Van Gaal in the summer of 2014.

Certainly, Ferguson said in his book, My Autobiography, that he did not know Moyes was going to be sacked.

"I was in Aberdeen as the events unfolded," he wrote. "On the Monday, I was flying back to Manchester and sitting next to me was a lad with a newspaper that ran: 'David Moyes to be sacked'.

"I spoke to Ed Woodward when I got back and established a final decision had been made."

So Van Gaal was picked by Woodward...?

Yes, and it has been reported that he is keen to give the Dutchman as much time as possible.

Speaking after Van Gaal was appointed in May 2014, Woodward said of his new man: "In Louis van Gaal, we have secured the services of one of the outstanding managers in the game today... the board is right behind his plans."

And while Woodward has come in for criticism from fans for United's recent transfer activity, Van Gaal has previously said of him: "I don't think [the critics] have to doubt Ed Woodward because he has proven already for many, many years, he is the right person on the right spot."

Could anyone else influence the decision this time?

While Woodward will have the final say, he has already canvassed some of the star United players for opinion and could continue to turn to senior figures as the situation develops.

Former United chief executive Gill might be a sounding board considering he spent 10 years in the role, overseeing five Premier League title successes and a Champions League win in 2008.

He gave an insight into the process in a recent interview, telling the BBC: "There are two boards - the quoted company board on the New York Stock Exchange, which is where all the key decisions are taken, which Woodward now runs.

"The football club board, which has Sir Bobby [Charlton] and Sir Alex [Ferguson], is an ambassadorial board and that discusses various football matters.

"If the New York board want to discuss matters with us, they will. We had great success under Sir Alex and we want that to continue. There's great strength in the club, the deals that they've done has given a really stable base and everyone is working hard to bring back the success years. We all want that."

Has anyone come out in support of Van Gaal?

While board members have not spoken publicly, United's global ambassador Bryan Robson has suggested Van Gaal does have the support of the club's hierarchy.

"We have 680m fans across the globe and that does put pressure [on] as we have to please them," he told the Times of India. "He had to rebuild the club from what David Moyes left behind and put them back to where they were under [Alex] Ferguson.

"It was going to be a difficult job as fans want exciting football and results. But Louis has got huge support from people within the club."

Ferguson has previously said that the Dutchman has "the pedigree" for the job, but the boss of Adidas, Herbert Hainer, has suggested the kit sponsors are not entirely satisfied with the club's form.

"The current playing style of Man Utd is not exactly what we want to see," he said.

United captain Wayne Rooney told Sky Sports in late December: "We are fighting for the manager to try and get results and turn things around."

So what's next?

Van Gaal returned from the Netherlands, where he joined celebrations for his daughter's birthday, to take training on Tuesday, ahead of Friday's FA Cup game with Championship side Derby.

Sky Sports News HQ expects Van Gaal to take charge of that fourth-round tie - but the man in the Old Trafford dugout remains firmly under scrutiny.

Credit: Skysports.com