Pressure on for Louis van Gaal as United welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford

Louis van Gaal may still be in his post, but a few Manchester United fans at Old Trafford are already preparing for the arrival of Jose Mourinho, it seems.

Pressure is growing on Van Gaal after his United team endured a dismal run of four successive defeats for the first time since 1961.

If the Red Devils lose to Chelsea on Monday evening, it will be the first time the club have lost five successive games in a single season for 79 years.

Mourinho has been linked with Van Gaal's position following his dismissal by the Blues, and it appears some United fans are readying themselves for the arrival of the self-styled 'Special One'.

A number of United supporters snapped up Mourinho scarves that were on sale from unofficial vendors behind the East Stand prior to kick-off on Monday.

The red scarves, which had Mourinho's face on them, 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!"

Van Gaal, who hinted he could resign after the Boxing Day defeat to Stoke, 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."

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."

Team news for #MUFCvCFC Man Utd: De Gea, Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Young, Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Mata, Ander Herrera, Martial, Rooney

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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.

Team news for #MUFCvCFC Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta, Matic, Mikel, Pedro, Oscar, Willian, Hazard.

— breakingnews.ie (@breakingnewsie) December 28, 2015

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