Louis van Gaal grateful for Ferguson backing and intent on top-four finish
Louis van Gaal is thankful for Sir Alex Ferguson's support but well aware that failing to finish the campaign with a flourish will put his Manchester United future in jeopardy.
This has been yet another frustrating campaign for the 20-time league champions, with inconsistent, and often underwhelming, displays meaning Champions League qualification and FA Cup success is the best they can hope for.
It is a far cry from the successes enjoyed during Ferguson's tenure, but the former United boss this week defended Van Gaal and urged fans to be patient during the club's current tribulations.
The Dutchman was thankful for that support, along with "remarkable" backing from the likes of Sir Bobby Charlton, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, managing director Richard Arnold and director David Gill.
Van Gaal knows that support can only go so far, though, and is aware his position will come under further scrutiny if they fail to finish in the top four.
"I cannot say (I will be here if we fail to make the top four) because I think the board has to evaluate after the results of this year what they have to do," the United boss said.
"I think that is normal and I cannot predict that when I do not know the facts.
"First you have to see the facts, I have always said that. The results and also the titles or the Champions League positions, you can only say at the May 15 'yes, it is like that or like that'.
"Then you have to evaluate the circumstances how I had to work in the season. An example of that is in the interview of Sir Alex.
"I am a rational person. I know that a manager of Manchester United has to win something, but I am still working on that."
Van Gaal says "every match counts" now for United, who welcome Everton to Old Trafford on Sunday buoyed by their victory at rivals Manchester City.
It means they head into the final eight games of the Premier League campaign sixth in the standings, just a point off fourth-placed City, and with an FA Cup quarter-final replay at West Ham on the horizon.
Asked if he would be surprised to be let go if United fail to make the top four, Van Gaal said: "I cannot say that because I do not know the next eight matches.
"You can only evaluate when you have the total facts and now I cannot say that and my board cannot say that neither because we have to play matches still.
"Also we have to play against West Ham United, then Everton and then the final."
Meanwhile, Everton manager Roberto Martinez refuses to consider the prospect of losing leading scorer Romelu Lukaku in the summer.
While on international duty, the Belgium striker dropped his biggest hint yet he was looking to leave Goodison Park at the end of the season.
"I'm 23 next summer and it would be nice to play in the Champions League next season," he said.
Lukaku's 25 goals this season have alerted a number of Europe's top clubs, with agent Mino Raiola this week openly talking about interest from Juventus, Paris St Germain and even Real Madrid.
Martinez insists financially the club can compete with the market's bigger players, although it is more likely footballing ambitions will decide Lukaku's fate with Everton out of the running for Champions League qualification, although they do have an FA Cup semi-final to look forward to.
"It is not unsettling at all because that should be the aspiration of everyone, wanting to be as good as you can and aspiring to be in the best competitions," said the Spaniard.
"We need ambitious players and players who can carry the expectations of our football club.
"At Everton we have that aspiration, we want to be in the Champions League, we were knocked out of the League Cup semi-final, we are now in an FA Cup semi-final and we want to continue that momentum.
"What we shouldn't be afraid of is losing players. We are in a position where financially we can compete with anyone in the world - things have changed radically in that respect.
"At this present time it doesn't really bother me what the individual situations will be in the summer.
"The reality is to play for Everton has to be an honour and a privilege.
"The only thing that matters now is the team's future.
"I'm looking at the talking he does on the pitch and the way he has been growing in confidence this season - that is all that matters."
Defender John Stones is fit for Sunday's match at Old Trafford after recovering from a minor knock sustained on England duty.
Forward Kevin Mirallas is available after suspension, but midfielder Gareth Barry serves the final game of a two-match ban.
Defender Bryan Oviedo is fully fit after a chest infection.
Source: PAR
