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

The Dutchman's inner circle believes he will see out the final year of his contract despite speculation linking Jose Mourinho with Old Trafford

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.

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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.
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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.

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Manager-in-waiting? Assistant boss Giggs (left) with Van Gaal

United's plan has always been for club legend Ryan Giggs to succeed Van Gaal, who has endorsed his Welsh assistant boss as his natural heir throughout his time at Old Trafford.
And it seems Mourinho may be left kicking his heels if United choose not to appoint him this summer and stick with Van Gaal, who has received more stick from his own fans in the wake of their limp 1-0 defeat at West Brom at the weekend.
In pictures — Man United's top 4 hopes hit by loss to West Brom:

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United visit arch-rivals Liverpool in the first leg of a Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, and then host West Ham in an FA Cup quarter-finals three days later.
Read more: Frank Lampard tells United they must appoint "good fit" Mourinho
However they are three points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, who also have a game in hand on their Old Trafford neighbours.