Van Gaal offered to resign as Man Utd boss after defeat

The Red Devils were booed off at both half-time and full-time following yet another turgid display, the type of which has become all-too familiar under Van Gaal.

Saints debutant Charlie Austin's 87th-minute header condemned United to an eighth defeat of the season, and The Guardian report the Dutchman then offered his resignation, only for executive vice-chairman to persuade the 64-year-old to discuss his future with his family.

Van Gaal returned to Holland on Sunday and is expected to hold fresh talks with Woodward when he returns to take first-team training on Tuesday.

In December, The Independent and The Times reported the former Barcelona and Ajax manager was persuaded not to walk away following back-to-back defeats to Norwich and Stoke City.

On Sunday there were suggestions that former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has written to the United hierarchy underlining his suitability for the job, while outlining how he would turn around the club's fortunes.