Louis van Gaal lets frustration at Mourinho rumours show in outburst at media

The Dutchman, who fumed at officials at the final whistle over what he perceived as their unfair handling of injury time at the end of both halves, saw Diego Costa slide home a goal two minutes from time to grab a valuable point for the Blues – denying United a much-needed victory after Jesse Lingard’s scintillating second-half finish appeared to have put them on course.

After the game the Dutchman was asked about rumours this week that United have lined up to replace Jose Mourinho to replace him, a line of questioning that he did not take kindly to.

"You've spoken with [chief executive] Ed Woodward?" Van Gaal asked, with the journalist responding that the club had not denied the stories.

The coach continued: "Why they have to deny (it)? I don't interfere either. So why the club has to deny that, when you are creating stories?

"So you didn't speak to Ed Woodward, not with [club owners] the Glazers and you are inventing a story. And then I have to answer this question. I don't answer this question. And I shall repeat myself every week. Now I have to say that you are getting the sack tomorrow. What is your name? Then I can announce your name also. Look at your wife, maybe you have children or a nephew or something."

Speaking about the match in general, he added: "It was not a boring match. For the third time in a row, it was sparkling. So I hope to get the support of the media this week."

As his press conference came to an end, Van Gaal then responded to a question that referenced former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and his sides' impressive record of scoring late in games, with further frustration.

“You write what you like. Maybe you remember the [difficult] first years of Fergie," he said, before adding as he walked off: “You have to study, study statistics.

Between his outbursts, the United manager admitted that his side had only themselves to blame after failing to capitalise on a solid performance – although he reserved praise for goalkeeper David De Gea, who made a number of fine saves at key moments.

“We were the better team and didn't win,” he said. “We had the chances but we didn't reward ourselves. Not for the first time.

“When you want to be in the first three you have to win these games.

"I have to say that De Gea did a couple of saves. He is there to stop shots and headers. He was remarkable."