Louis van Gaal listens to player criticisms as he relaxes strict regime in bid to rejuvenate Manchester United's season

Louis van Gaal has bowed to player pressure in an attempt to keep his job at Manchester United.
The beleaguered United boss has agreed to relax the strict regime that has proved so unpopular among his squad following a meeting with senior players Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Chris Smalling and Juan Mata at the start of the week.
Van Gaal still has the support of the players but recognised an urgent need for change after seeing United lose three games in a row. The run has plunged his future at Old Trafford into doubt as he prepares for their Boxing Day trip to Stoke City.

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has relaxed some aspects of his management regime in a bid to turn around a dramatic slump in results that have led to speculation over his future at Old Trafford

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Dejected Manchester United players pictured during last Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Norwich City

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A frustrated Van Gaal walked out of a press conference on Wednesday ahead of United's visit to Stoke City