‘I believe I will still be here’
I don’t think that is realistic. I’ve said I shall be here next season – that is my opinion – so the board has to decide if it is like that. It is true our aim was to qualify for the Champions League.
“But we are still fighting for fourth place to the last day of the season and we can still win the FA Cup. How many teams are still in the race and can still win the cup? Not many.”
United have confirmed failure to reach the Champions League will cost them about £40m in revenue, although reduced player wages will offset some of that. Van Gaal has hit back at suggestions that, if he survives, he will be a ‘lame-duck’ boss because he has vowed to retire at the end of his contract next summer.
“It is not a problem,” he said. “I have said in advance I was leaving before in my career – at Ajax and with Holland – and I was still able to inspire and motivate the players. That is my ability as a manager.”
He is frustrated, though, that United’s fate FOUR UP: The aim of Pellegrini is out of their hands after letting slip a 2-1 lead in the 3-2 loss at West Ham on Tuesday, but has no issue if Swansea rest their Euro 2016 players. “We are dependent now on Manchester City,” he said. “That’s so frustrating when we had the advantage with two games to go. “It’s the responsibility of the club and manager to do what he thinks is right for the team.” City boss Manuel Pellegrini claims his team deserve fourth place because they have been in the top four since the start.
But ahead of his final game in charge, he has warned his players to guard against thinking an away draw will be easy to achieve.
“Everyone thought we were eliminated after Sunday’s game against Arsenal,” he said. “But I always thought the game at West Ham would be difficult for United.
“Now we have the advantage but I’ve told the players we are not there yet. Swansea have done very well in their last two games and are always difficult at home.
“We have been in the Champions League places for 37 games, so we deserve to qualify.”