What does 2016 hold for Louis van Gaal and Manchester United? We consider some of the big issues at Old Trafford
Can Louis van Gaal survive?
It was a torrid end to 2015 for Manchester United ’s Dutch manager, who desperately needs results to turn around if he is to ease the pressure on his shoulders.
With Jose Mourinho available the calls have already begun for the Special One to take the Old Trafford hot seat.
Pep Guardiola will also be available in the summer, so there are no shortage of high calibre candidates to take Van Gaal’s job.
He insists he has no reason to walk away from what will almost certainly be his last job in football - but the decision could be taken out of his hands if results don’t improve soon.
Will Ryan Giggs step into management?
The Welshman is seen as a future No1 at Old Trafford, but he might need to gain experience elsewhere before taking on such a sizeable role.
In an ideal world United would like to see him continue his apprenticeship under Van Gaal before eventually taking over. But he remains a risky option without the experience of being a manager.
Gary Neville was appointed at Valencia at the end of last year and he could overtake his good friend in the pecking order if he does a good job in Spain.
Giggs has already been linked with Swansea - and a move away might be his best chance of one day ruling Old Trafford.
Is this the year Ronaldo returns?
Talk of Cristiano Ronaldo heading back to Old Trafford refuses to go away.
He remains hugely admired within the club and they have made it clear that the money is available to buy the biggest names.
He turns 31 this year - time could be running out for him to make his comeback.
Will United appoint a director of football?
It’s been hit and miss in the transfer market since Ferguson’s retirement. And while executive vice chairman Ed Woodward has landed big names like Angel di Maria and Bastian Schweinsteiger there remain major question marks over United’s recruitment policy in recent years.
Ahead of what looks like another pivotal summer, they must get it right.
Is silverware on the horizon?
After two years without a trophy United have lost that winning feeling.
Under Sir Alex Ferguson it was a virtual conveyor belt of silverware.
Their Champions League hopes are over, the Capital One Cup is off the table and any ideas of a title challenge are beginning to look slim.
But with the Europa League and the FA Cup still up for grabs there is plenty to play for.
Van Gaal will also claim a title bid isn’t out of the question either.
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