Wayne Rooney: We’re fighting to save Louis van Gaal

Man United 0 Chelsea 0: More direct and purposeful they may have been as they ended a disappointing 2015 at Old Trafford, but a goalless draw for Louis van Gaal and Manchester United against Chelsea still indicates there are vast swathes of work required from the Dutchman and his players in the new year.

At least emerging as the points “victors” from this bout between two slumping English football heavyweights means the pressure that has been steadily mounting on the United manager in recent weeks will ease — temporarily, at least — until the next crisis threatens to engulf manager and club.

On current form, that could be as early as the weekend home meeting with Swansea.