A defiant Louis van Gaal declared that he would not quit as Manchester United manager on Monday night, and insisted there is no reason to sack him while he has the support of the players and board at Old Trafford.

There were enough positives in a goalless draw at home Chelsea to convince Van Gaal to carry on following 10 days of intense speculation over his future.

The Dutchman conceded after Boxing Day’s defeat at Stoke that resigning was an option, but appeared to rule out that possibility on Monday night. 

Under-fire Man United boss Louis van Gaal insists he will not quit despite their eight-game winless run

Van Gaal (centre) watches from the Old Trafford dugout during United’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Monday

‘Will I resign? On the contrary,’ he said. ‘When the players can give such a performance with a lot of pressure, there is not any reason to resign.

‘I have taken that decision already two or three times (in my career). But I have said that when the players are fighting for me, I always stay because that is the most important thing and you have seen that today.

‘Inside the club, the players are willing to fight for every metre, the manager is willing to fight, the members of staff are willing to fight and the board is very confident in the staff and the manager.’

Van Gaal did not rule out the prospect that he could still be sacked if results do not improve. United may have ended a run of four straight defeats, but they have not won in eight games and this was their fifth goalless draw in the last eight at home.

But the 64-year-old believes it would be wrong for United to sack him, claiming that he can turn the club’s fortunes around in a month.

Asked if he would be staying, Van Gal replied: ‘I cannot say that. I know there are circumstances that the board has to decide to sack the manager.

A United supporter shakes Van Gaal’s hand as the Dutchman leaves the dugout upon the full-time whistle

‘In this crazy world of football it can happen every day. When it is happening to Jose Mourinho it can happen also with me.

‘You are asking all the time in my press conferences if I am concerned that maybe they sack me. Of course I am concerned but I am more concerned to prepare my players.

‘My relationship with the players, board and staff members is very good. There is no reason to sack me.

‘The results are not good enough, I know that. The players and board know that. It can be different in about one month.

‘Now most of the fans are applauding also after this disappointing result but they like the performance, that is my analysis.’

Van Gaal feels it would be wrong for United to sack him as he is confident he can overturn their form

Van Gaal waves to the Old Trafford crowd after the goalless draw with Chelsea 

United were unfortunate to see Juan Mata and Anthony Martial hit the woodwork, while referee Martin Atkinson also rejected two penalty appeals in the second half.

Van Gaal added: ‘We have dominated the game and still we didn’t score and that is unbelievable when you saw what happened. I am frustrated. I thank my players for the performance but we need a victory.’

Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic had an excellent chance to score but blasted the ball over the bar

Matic had a glorious chance to win the game for Chelsea but saw his shot sail over the bar 

Captain Wayne Rooney was restored to the starting line-up but was lucky to only receive a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Oscar.

‘It was accidental,’ said Rooney. ‘I knew straightaway I caught him and could have caused him a bit of damage, so I apologise.

‘I apologised on the pitch, nothing was meant and I think the referee saw there was no intention of hurting him. He’s given me a yellow card which I probably deserve.’

Wayne Rooney had a good chance to win the game late on but he also put his shot over the bar

Rooney looks dejected as he sees his shot go over the bar late in the game

United captain Rooney (right) helps Oscar to his feet after fouling the Chelsea midfielder late on

Rooney (left) was shown a yellow card in a decision that the striker thinks was fair following his challenge

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s new interim manager Guus Hiddink admitted he was concerned about their position just three points ahead of the relegation zone after his second draw in charge.

‘Of course I’m worried but I would have been more worried if there was a lack of confidence or ambition,’ said Hiddink. ‘But I don’t see that in the team.’