29 Jan 2016

Van Gaal admits a loss this weekend could get him sacked

11:47 am on 29 January 2016

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says that an FA Cup defeat by Derby this weekend could get him the sack.

Louis van Gaal, Manager of Manchester United and assistant, Ryan Giggs. 2014.

Louis van Gaal, Manager of Manchester United and assistant, Ryan Giggs. 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Dutchman described speculation he offered to resign after the 1-0 defeat by Southampton, with United fifth in the league, as "awful and horrible".

He claimed the media had "sacked" him three times this season, but said he "cannot lose" to the Championship club in the FA Cup fourth-round tie.

"Maybe then you have written the truth because sometimes it happens," he said.

United are 10 points off Premier League leaders Leicester, five points behind Tottenham in fourth place and out of the Champions League.

Van Gaal said questions about his future were being asked in a "disrespectful way".

The 64-year-old addressed the media at a news conference today: "You make your stories and people believe it. I am concerned they are believing it. You can write what you do.

"It is the third time I am sacked and I am still sitting here.

"Now I cannot lose any more - then for the fourth time that I have been sacked."

Van Gaal he praised the "fantastic" support of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and said and FA Cup win could be his saviour - as it proved for Sir Alex Ferguson in January 1990.

Ferguson was three years into the job at Old Trafford and United were plummeting towards the old First Division relegation zone when they faced Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round.

It was believed that a defeat would see Ferguson sacked. They won 1-0 and Ferguson went on to become English football's most successful manager.

Asked on whether the FA Cup could become his saviour, Van Gaal added: "Of course.

"But when you lose it is more worse. "

-BBC

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