STOKE: Louis van Gaal's future as Manchester United manager seemed even more precarious Saturday after a fourth successive loss was inflicted by Stoke in its 2-0 Premier League victory.

United was in disarray in the first half when Memphis Depay's horrendous defending allowed Bojan Krkic to score and Marko Arnautovic powered in Stoke's second goal from outside the penalty area.

United only came to life in the second half after Wayne Rooney was brought off the bench but Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland thwarted any hopes of a comeback.

Winless in seven matches, United is now enduring its worst run in 26 years. The losing streak started with Champions League elimination and has also seen United drop out of the Premier League top four by losing to Bournemouth and Norwich.