Rio Ferdinand: Van Gaal could be on his way out of Old Trafford in the near future

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand does not believe Louis van Gaal will be in charge of the club by the start of next season.

Pressure is mounting on the Dutchman heading into Monday's crunch clash with Chelsea after United recorded their fourth consecutive defeat at the weekend.

Another defeat will no doubt leave the United hierarchy discussing Van Gaal's future.

He is currently contracted at Old Trafford until the summer of 2017 - but Ferdinand does not believe that he will see out his contract at the club.

He said: "It is a big game for LVG. It seems as though he hasn't got much time left now. The press have been throwing out some of the stats about his reign at Old Trafford.

"And with the likes of Mourinho, Guardiola and club legend Giggs waiting, it doesn't appear as though he will be there at the start of next season."

Jose Mourinho is the favourite to become the next permanent manager at Old Trafford having being sacked by Chelsea earlier this month.

The Portuguese's agent Jorge Mendes has revealed that he is confident of getting a job when he returns from a holiday.

Mendes told Sky Sport Italia: “Mourinho is now in Brazil. Let's see what will happen when he returns.

"Jose has to feel comfortable because he is the No 1 in the world."

He added: "Will we see him back in Italy? For now, I am not going to speak about Spain nor England nor Italy. I repeat, he is No 1 and now he is on holiday.”