Pressure on Manchester United’s Louis van Gaal is ‘normal’, says Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink

Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink on Friday said Louis van Gaal must accept scrutiny as manager of a Manchester United side vying for the Barclays Premier League title.

Hiddink was asked about United's troubles in a campaign which has seen Van Gaal's position come under sharp focus amid fan frustration over tactics and results, with Jose Mourinho apparently waiting in the wings to succeed him.

Van Gaal has bristled at suggestions he could lose his job, with United fifth, 10 points behind leaders Leicester.

And a win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday could reignite the Red Devils' hopes of succeeding Chelsea as Premier League champions.

"He has to perform, this is normal, as we have to perform here as well," Hiddink said.

"There is pressure. There was and still is big ambition. They have to cope with that.

"The pressure is on. It's on everyone. But if you have the possibility to go into first position, then pressure is on."

Hiddink replaced Mourinho at Chelsea in December and declined the opportunity to fully appraise United's season, suggesting the Blues had enough concerns of their own.

The London side remain in the bottom half of the table entering this weekend's fixtures.

"I am not going into the 'problems' from other clubs as well," Hiddink added.

"We can talk all morning about Manchester United, but I'm wearing a different colour.

"Every club during a season has some periods where they might worry a bit.

"We had that as well. I don't like to go in too much in other people's kitchen."