Jose Mourinho scarves on sale outside Old Trafford

A fan poses with a United scarf bearing Jose Mourinho's name

Manchester United's scarves with Jose Mourinho on were on sale outside Old Trafford ahead of Monday's Premier League showdown with Chelsea.

Mourinho's former side took on Louis van Gaal's United as speculation over the Dutch manager's future at Old Trafford continued.

United's last win in the Premier League was over a month ago and pressure intensified on Van Gaal after his side suffered a fourth successive defeat for the first time since 1961.

Defeat to Chelsea would have been the first time the club had lost five games on the trot in a single season for 79 years but though the club's winless run in all competitions stretched to eight games, United put in an improved display in a goalless draw with the Blues.

Before the game, optimistic street vendors outside Old Trafford offered merchandise bearing the face and name of the 'Special One'.

Jose Mourinho is the bookmakers' odds-on favourite to replace Louis van Gaal

The red scarves, which bore Mourinho's face, were clearly not official club merchandise, but a few home fans still bought them prior to kick-off.

The scarf-seller, who was asking £10 for the scarves, yelled: "Welcome to Old Trafford, Mourinho!"

Louis van Gaal arrives at Old Trafford ahead of the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea

Van Gaal, hinted he could resign after the Boxing Day defeat to Stoke, but insisted after Monday's clash at Old Trafford, that he had no such intention.

He had pulled no punches in his programme notes, writing: "There is no disguising the fact that we are in a very bad period, the worst I have known since I became

Manchester United manager, and I know things must improve immediately," he wrote.

Van Gaal then went on to write about Guus Hiddink, who was appointed interim Chelsea boss after Mourinho's sacking.

"As you will know, my fellow countryman Guus Hiddink is in charge at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season. It came as a big surprise to see Jose Mourinho leave Chelsea, but we know how cruel football can be."

Wayne Rooney will start against Chelsea aiming to score his first goal in the Premier League since October 17

Van Gaal recalled captain Wayne Rooney to his starting XI for the match against Chelsea.

The England skipper started up front, replacing Marouane Fellaini, who dropped to the bench.

Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Matteo Darmian also came in for Michael Carrick, Memphis Depay and Phil Jones.

Eden Hazard started up front for Chelsea in the place of suspended striker Diego Costa.