Manchester United news: Rio Ferdinand explains how Louis van Gaal can save his Old Trafford job

Louis van Gaal can save his Manchester United job if he goes on to win the FA Cup and finish in the top four this season, according to Old Trafford legend Rio Ferdinand. The Red Devils have made it to the final of the FA Cup after a late goal from Anthony Martial saw them beat Everton 2-1 in the semi-final at Wembley.

With four games remaining in the Premier League for United, the 20-time English champions have a chance of finishing in the top four this term. After 34 matches, Van Gaal's side sit fifth in the table with 59 points, five points behind fourth placed Arsenal and third placed Manchester City, who have played a game more than United.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager's future at Old Trafford beyond this season remains uncertain, despite him having a year left on his contract. Jose Mourinho is the firm favourite to replace Van Gaal in the summer, according to Portuguese publication Jornal de Noticias. However, Ferdinand believes the Dutchman can still save his job, if he helps them win silverware and qualify for next season's Champions League.

"If he wins the FA Cup and United finish in the Champions League [qualification places] he could sit there and say that is progression," Ferdinand told talkSPORT.

"Speaking to people at Manchester United in and around the ground and supporters around the country, they are not playing the type of football they are accustomed to seeing at Manchester United.

"They want to see football that is respectful of their history of the club. It has been a lot of sideways, sideways football. But I watched the game at the weekend and if that is a sign of things to come, then Louis van Gaal has got a great argument to put forward."