Man U top-four CL finish can avoid sacking, believes Van Gaal

Manchester United embattled manager Louis Van Gaal believes that he can save himself from being sacked if his side finish in the top four in the Champions League or win the Europa League.

Van Gaal's job has been under scrutiny following his side's repeated poor performances in the Premier League, with former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was reportedly in talks to replace him at the Old Trafford.

Expressing his views on his chances to stay in the United, the 64-year-old insisted that if he would manage to guide his side to a Champions League place, his club might keep him for the third and final year of his contract, the Mirror reported.

United are also six points behind Manchester City, who are currently in the fourth and final Champions League place, so it would still need a big turnaround in domestic results - or winning the Europe League, which also secures a spot in UEFA's No 1 club competition.

Meanwhile, Mourinho, who is favourite to replace Van Gaal, was desperate to join the Old Trafford and believes it his destiny to take over as next United manager.

United are currently six points behind Manchester City in the league table, having 11 wins from 25 games which they have played.

United, who made an early exit from the Champions League, will next lock horns with Sunderland on Saturday.