Louis van Gaal Discusses Manchester United Future After Win vs. Bournemouth

Louis van Gaal is confident he'll still be Manchester United's manager for the third year of his contract next season. The Dutchman also believes he can guide the Red Devils to the Premier League title in the final year of his reign.   

Speaking after United beat Bournemouth 3-1 at Old Trafford on Tuesday to finish fifth in the league, Van Gaal confirmed his desire to see out his contract, per ESPN FC:

Despite finishing outside the top four and missing out on UEFA Champions League football next season, Van Gaal thinks the league title is a realistic aim, according to the Guardian's Jamie Jackson:

That's a strange boast considering United have taken a step back—in terms of league finish—in Van Gaal's second year.

However, the Dutchman seemed to suggest United face increased competition to remain among the elite of England's top flight and Europe, per BBC Sport's Simon Stone:

Now Van Gaal believes the expectations from United supporters are too high, according to Sky Sports' Gerard Brand: "They are expecting a lot. But I think these expectations are much too high, and we are a team in transition, and that I have said when I started here."

He may be confident about his future at Old Trafford, but there's been increasing speculation Van Gaal won't be in charge next season. In fact, Andy Burton of Sky Sports News HQ reported Jose Mourinho has been told he'll take over if United owners dismiss the former Netherlands boss.

Referring to the season-closing win over the Cherries, Van Gaal lamented the late own goal off centre-back Chris Smalling and what it meant for goalkeeper David De Gea, per Squawka News:

De Gea's form has been one of the few bright spots of Van Gaal's contentious tenure. It's an era that could be brought to an end if the Dutchman can't deliver the FA Cup by guiding United past Crystal Palace at Wembley on Saturday.

But Van Gaal promised the fans, among his most vocal critics this season, a disappointing campaign will still end with silverware, according to Stuart Mathieson of the Manchester Evening News:

Yet, one trophy may not be enough to turn the tide Van Gaal's way with the pressure for change at Old Trafford mounting.