Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that he only wanted to pen a two-year contract at Old Trafford when agreeing to take charge of the club in 2014.
The Dutchman has seen his position at the Theatre of Dreams come under increasing pressure in recent months following a mixed set of results and a perceived bland style of play.
Last weekend's FA Cup win over Everton at Wembley has relieved some of the pressure on Van Gaal, while a top-four finish in the Premier League is still a possibility with four games left to play.
That has not prevented many Red Devils supporters from calling for the former Netherlands manager's head, though, with Jose Mourinho reportedly ready to be ushered in during the summer months.
However, Van Gaal is confident that he will still be in charge next season, having been persuaded to sign a three-year contract rather than the two years he was looking for.
"Of course I knew how hard this job would be," he is quoted as saying by the Daily Star. "That is why they hired me and we have spoken about that. Also, we have a process of three years. I wanted to sign for two years, they wanted three years – not me. I signed for three years, so next year you see me again.
"You can never say that. I have respect for the results of Leicester City but I can only speak about facts. And the facts are that, before our injuries, we were first in the league. You can't deny that. That is a fact.
"After that, especially in December when all my full-backs were injured, I had to solve that and I couldn't solve that problem. Now, we are again in a good run and we don't have as many injuries anymore. So that run is also a consequence of that. One section of the media has had me sacked for six months – and I am still here."
Van Gaal's United side play host to league leaders Leicester City on Sunday afternoon, aiming to keep within touching distance of a Champions League spot.
Daniel Lewis
