Manchester United: Louis van Gaal still waiting for board's decision on sack

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes that there is still a good chance that he may be sacked after the end of the season as the board have not told him about their plans. The Red Devils can still finish in the top four and are in the finals of the FA Cup where they play Crystal Palace on Saturday, 21 May.

United's 3-2 loss to West Ham in mid-week has taken the onus away from them and left them at the hands of Manchester City, who with a draw against Swansea City, can confirm their participation in next year's Champions League. Meanwhile, United have to win against Bournemouth and hope other results go their way if they are to compete in Europe's biggest club competition next season.

Van Gaal believes that the expectations riding on United are not realistic and despite Leicester City winning the title this season it would be foolhardy for fans to expect United to challenge for major honours at this point. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho is primed to take over at Old Trafford after the end of the season with the former Chelsea man announcing that he will be back in management in July.

"We are still in the race. You cannot say we are not. We can win the FA Cup. How many are still in the race? How many? It's not so much, so of course when we don't qualify ourselves we don't reach our aim," Van Gaal said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.

"That is true because our aim was to qualify, but we are in the final of the FA Cup and we are in the race (for the top four) in the last match. Mathematically we can qualify ourselves still. How many teams can say that? Not many.

"Of course, you can say Manchester United need to be champions. Yes, I know the expectations are like that but I don't think that is realistic. And I have said I shall be here, that is my opinion, so the board has to decide if it is like that. That is a different way of looking to the situation."