Shearer convinced Van Gaal dead man walking at Man Utd

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer is convinced Louis van Gaal is a dead man walking at Manchester United.

Shearer believes the current group of players are the worst at Old Trafford in years and the Dutchman has little chance of turning things around.

He told The Sun: "Louis van Gaal might as well have walked out of his job at the final whistle at the Britannia.

"Because he has no chance with this team.

"The players knew what was on the line for him when they took on Stoke. He sent a team out there to fight and battle for a result with his future undoubtedly on the line.

"And what did they give him? A first half as insipid as any they have produced since Sir Alex Ferguson bowed out of the game.

"This is the worst Manchester United team for many a year. That is four defeats on the trot, no wins in seven and no signs that things are getting any better.

"They lack fight, leadership, character, effort, everything. But a lot of the blame must be laid at the manager's door. On Saturday he had square pegs in round holes everywhere.

"Ashley Young at right-back, Ander Herrera in a holding role, Anthony Martial, at times, out wide and Marouane Fellaini up front."