Louis van Gaal is adamant he will still be Manchester United manager next season, no matter what happens at the end of the season.
The Red Devils remain in contention for a top-four finish and are in the FA Cup final but speculation over the Dutchman’s future at the club persists.
Jose Mourinho has been heavily linked with replacing Van Gaal at Old Trafford but the 64-year-old is relaxed about his future and says he always felt it would take time to bring success to the club.
“I knew it would be like this. That’s why they hired me and we spoke about it,” he told reporters.
“We always knew that the process would take three years. I wanted to sign only for two years.
“The club wanted me to sign for three years, not me. I signed for three years – so next year you will see me again.
“Every week for six months I have been sacked – and yet I am still here. But this has happened to me at every club I have been at.
“I am doing the same job at United that I was hired to do at every club.
“People should assess the squad that I took over and make a comparison to the players we have now in terms of age.
“There is a big difference between what the people in the street think and the media. A big difference. I can only tell you my experiences and I don’t have to defend myself. I am a realistic man and so I only speak about facts.”
Van Gaal was also quick to defend his record since taking over in 2014 as he prepares to take on Leicester at Old Trafford on Sunday.
“The fact is that we finished fourth last year. At the moment we are fifth, but we are still able to finish third. On May 15 we will know for sure,” he added.
“The fact is that we are in the FA Cup Final. The fact is that we were in the Champions League. We didn’t do that last year.
“The fact is that we went further in the Capital One Cup. So there are a lot of pluses. Yes, we are in fifth and we are fighting for the one position that is the most important.
“We also have the best home record in the league, but we are one of the lousiest away teams of the top clubs and that is something we need to improve.”
