Manchester United's controversial manager Louis van Gaal reportedly faces a possible sacking if the Red Devils do not finish in the top three of the Premier League at the end of this season and he fails to "guide them back into the Champions League next season".

Caught Offside's Michael Farringdon published the report, citing the Daily Express, about the possibility of the 62-year-old mentor getting sacked or just walking away from the Old Trafford if the expectations of the fans and team ownership are not met by season's end.

Like Us on Facebook

United was booted out of this year's Champions League by Bundesliga's Vfl Wolfsburg on Tuesday, dropping a 2-3 decision to Dieter Hecking's side at the Volkswagen Arena.

An own goal by Die Wölfe midfielder Josuha Guilavogui knotted the count at 2-all eight minutes before full-time, but Brazilian defender Naldo netted another one for his brace two minutes later to snatch the game from the Red Devils and eliminate them altogether in the said tournament.

Van Gaal received a lot of criticism for coming short against the world's best and also for not seizing the opportunity to obtain league leadership in the English top flight after four draws in their last six matches.

The criticisms were actually ironic as Farringdon noted that "just last week United officials highlighted their happiness at van Gaal's current level of performance, and wouldn't rule out extending his deal beyond 2017".

However, the growing fan unrest at the Old Trafford because of what supporters believe is an underachieving year for the team is reportedly not being taken for granted by team owners, the Glazer family.

United signed full-back Matteo Darmian from Torino, winger Memphis Depay from PSV Eindhoven, and midfielders Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin from Bayern Munich and Southampton respectively during the summer with the intention of bringing back the title to England's winningest club.

The team even added Anthony Martial from Monaco in midseason to complement Wayne Rooney's attacks up front. Still, the Red Devils are not dominating teams as much as they are envisioned to do this season.

TagsManchester United rumors, football rumors