Recent results have seen the tide turn for Louis van Gaal at Manchester United. It seems that dreadfully safe and boring possession football was grudgingly accepted when it was producing results.

Now the results have stopped coming and the squad seems bereft of confidence. In fact, it’s hard not to compare our recent barren spell with the one at Chelsea where the players downed tools and got their manager the sack.

So if Van Gaal does go, who might step into the breach and try to chase down Leicester City?

Pep Guardiola – Well, duh… Pep is the hottest managerial property on the planet now that he has announced that he will be leaving Bayern Munich. This move has also ruled out another likely contender for the Old Trafford job in Carlo Ancelotti. Trouble is, Manchester City are thought to be the front-runners to sign Guardiola. Do we have the guile to gazump the noisy neighbours? Let’s hope so. But he’s likely not available until next season, which could mean another chance for…

Ryan Giggs – The sentimental favourite of many. But let’s be honest, appointing the former wing wizard could be a massive gamble. He could be a smashing success, or be overwhelmed by the complexity of the task at hand. He’d need lots of help, most likely in the guise of an experienced Director of Football.

Jose Mourinho – The freshly unemployed Mourinho was supposedly in the running for this job when Sir Alex retired. The appointment was supposedly nixed by club icon Sir Bobby Charlton, who felt the Portuguese wasn’t classy enough for a club of our stature. Charlton is still there, of course – and Jose hasn’t exactly improved his behaviour. But the man’s CV indicates he will win you some trophies for 2-3 seasons and then his act will start to wear thin. United supporters are split on this one, but if we feel Pep is unattainable this will be a possibility.

Frank de Boer – Another Dutchman? This is my dark horse candidate, and here’s why. Our club needs an overhaul from bottom to top. There are few teams that have the established infrastructure and systems of Ajax. The man with more than 100 caps for the Oranje would have the respect of the players and knows how to play attractive football. And his transition to Van Gaal’s legacy might be a smoother one than for some of the others.

The Others – Man, there are a lot of them. Gary Neville has ruled himself out, sadly. Mauricio Pochettino is attracting some support. Diego Simeone would bring the fire that has been sadly lacking. And some would fancy Larry White, or rather former MUFC defender Laurent Blanc.

Have I missed anyone? What are your thoughts or can you suggest someone I’ve not mentioned? Let’s hope for some more positive football soon!