Louis van Gaal is determined to see out his contract at Old Trafford despite his belief that Manchester United legends like Paul Scholes are trying to get him sacked.
The Dutchman’s tactics have been routinely criticised by the likes of Scholes, who now works as a pundit, throughout a largely disappointing season for the Red Devils.
United must beat Bournemouth today and hope that Swansea can upset Manchester City in order to finish in the top four and Van Gaal has vowed to continue fighting against his naysayers regardless of the club’s results.
“In spite of the attacks of the media – and not only the media, the legends and other kinds of people – I am here and I am fighting, I am an open book,” the 64-year-old said, as reported by the Daily Mail.
“And I believe in myself, I believe in Manchester, I believe in the players. I hope that everybody is believing like me, then it is much more easier.
“When you have expectations that Manchester United has to be champions, then you’re disappointed. But when we qualify ourselves or win a title, I am satisfied. But in the eyes of some fans or many fans, that’s not enough because you have to win the title.
“I have the impression that I will still be here, otherwise I can’t say all the things that I have said. But in the football world, you never know, and I have seen that before.”
Scholes’ first comments about Van Gaal came in October and, for the months following that, Van Gaal was booed and jeered by the Old Trafford faithful, especially after a 1-0 defeat to Southampton in January.
Van Gaal’s contract at United does not expire until the end of next season but their failings in the Premier League and Champions League this season have strongly suggested that he will be sacked and replaced with Jose Mourinho.
Despite a underwhelming campaign, United could still finish in the Champions League places and also have the chance to win the FA Cup next weekend, when they face Crystal Palace in the final at Wembley.
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