Manchester United Hold Crisis Talks

Louis van Gaal held crisis talks with senior Manchester United players following last Saturday's disastrous 2-1 defeat against Norwich City at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal is understood to have encouraged the dialogue between players and management after dressing-room morale sank to an all-time low under his leadership. United captain Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Chris Smalling and Juan Mata were among the most vocal players involved in the full and frank discussion with the Dutchman. The exchange of views focused on his hard line training methods, the nature of his strict regime and the tactics used by the team on matchdays. United's players believe the club's crippling injury list is being caused by over-training and have asked the Dutchman to ease off in some of the sessions.

Van Gaal is also facing a Spanish revolt by Mata and Ander Herrera, who fear their confused playing role at Old Trafford threatens their selection in Spain's squad for the European Championship. Van Gaal may struggle to satisfy Mata and Herrera, whose dissatisfaction with the way they are being played may cause them to quit United in the summer if the Dutchman remains at the helm. Both Spanish midfielders are popular with United fans but they feel hamstrung by Van Gaal's tactics. At Carrington's training ground, they are known as players of decent character. However, this week's clear-the-air talks resulted in players and management reaching an agreement to work together in an attempt to get United's season back on track. Van Gaal has also spoken with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward this week in an attempt to resolve some of the issues between the management and the players.

Van Gaal, who has 18 months left on his contract, has now gone six games without a win. He is under huge pressure after United dropped out of the top four following an abysmal performance against Norwich. United have not won in the Premier League since the 2-1 victory at Watford on November 21. Van Gaal met the club's expectations last season when he took them back into the Champions League following their seventh-place finish in the aborted Moyes era. The Dutchman has already fallen short of the target to reach the Champions League knockout phase after the 3-2 defeat at Wolfsburg on December 8 bumped them into the Europa League.

United lie fifth on the table on goal difference behind Tottenham as they travel to Stoke City on Boxing Day before hosting Guus Hiddink's Chelsea at Old Trafford two days later.