Louis van Gaal is reportedly certain that if Manchester United qualify for the 2016/17 Champions League, he will retain his position as the club’s manager.
The Dutchman has been under pressure over the club’s inconsistent performances in the Premier League as the club currently sit in fifth place on 41 points, six points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City.
Furthermore, the Red Devils crashed out of the Champions League in the group stage after finishing behind Wolfsburg and PSV Eindhoven. Van Gaal’s men were also eliminated in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup.
Speculation over Van Gaal’s future has been further compounded by reports suggesting that former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has already signed a three-year deal with the club worth £15 million-per-season.
Nevertheless, the Daily Mirror reports that Van Gaal is confident that he will still be in charge of the side next term, should he guide the club to the key aim of a Champions League spot for the second consecutive season.
However, the report also claims that although the boss maintains close ties with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, he is “frustrated” with rumours that Mourinho will replace him at the end of the season.
Despite no real attempt at hosing down speculation, the club are allegedly still confident in Van Gaal’s ability in guiding the side to a Champions League place, which is also achievable should they win the Europa League this season.
United have not strung two successive league wins together since November, but their main rivals for a top four place, City, are on a similarly poor run. Indeed, Manuel Pellegrini’s men have not won two on the bounce since October.
In their last league fixture, United took a respectable point against Chelsea, after creating 13 chances – far superior to their season average of 8.2.
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