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Global Soccer: United Shows Pride, and van Gaal Lives to Coach Another Day

LONDON — Street vendors outside Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium hoped to capitalize on mischief and rumor. They asked 10 pounds, about $15, for scarves bearing the United crest and embossed with the image of José Mourinho.

Mourinho was not in the vicinity. He was apparently on vacation in Brazil — an unemployed coach awaiting, by some reports, the call to manage either United, or his former team, Real Madrid.

But Monday’s game between Manchester United and Chelsea ended without a winner or a loser, or a goal. Without consequence, then?

Far from it.