Under-fire Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal walked out of his news conference on Thursday (AEDT) after objecting to questions over his future at the club.

Van Gaal's position at United is the source of mounting speculation amid a run of six matches without a win in all competitions that leaves the club fifth in the Premier League table ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Stoke City.

Addressing the assembled media ahead of that match, Van Gaal stated that he had the support of United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward but angrily cut his address short.

Van Gaal asked the assembled media pack if "anyone wants to apologise to me", over mounting speculation he will meet the same fate that befell his predecessor, David Moyes. 

He then, bizarrely, encouraged the press pack to enjoy a champagne and a mince pie at Christmas, before abruptly exiting, stage left.