Louis van Gaal is sure he will hang onto his job — if Manchester United finish in the top four.United have held discussions with Jose Mourinho, and the Special One believes his taking charge at Old Trafford is a done deal.

But Van Gaal still thinks that if he can guide his Reds to a Champions League place, the club's top brass will keep him for the third and final year of his contract. The omens do not look good for the Dutchman though, as United have pointedly not denied negotiating with former Chelsea boss Mourinho.