Louis van Gaal's Manchester United job is SAFE for next season — even if he misses top 4

Going nowhere: Van Gaal has
come in for plenty of flak but
expects to stay

Louis van Gaal's coaching staff
are convinced he will see out his
full term at Manchester United .
Van Gaal's future is unclear, with
United struggling to clinch a top-
four finish in the Premier League
that will secure Champions
League football for next season.
The Dutchman has one year left
on his contract, but could find
himself replaced by Jose
Mourinho this summer if club
chiefs decide a change is
required.

But Van Gaal's inner circle at
United believe the 64-year-old is
safe and that he will lead the Red
Devils next season - even if they
miss out on the Champions
League.

Cheer up, Jose: Mourinho has
openly courted the Man United
job

Van Gaal is said to keep his staff
in the loop over his conversations
with executive vice-chairman Ed
Woodward, as well as his
dealings with owners the Glazer
family.

And the message from Van Gaal's
camp is that the former Ajax,
Barcelona, Bayern Munich and
Holland boss has been told he is
staying — with plans already
underway for summer transfers.
Read more: Andrei Kanchelskis
says LVG's style is 'wrong for
United'

There is division on the United
board over the prospect of
appointing Mourinho , with some
of the hierarchy opposed to the
former Chelsea manager's
abrasive style.

That, along with a dearth of other
viable candidates, makes it
increasingly likely Van Gaal will
remain in charge until the summer
of 2017, when his three-year deal
will be up and he plans to retire.