Everton vs Manchester United reaction: Louis van Gaal admits winning FA Cup may not save his job

The Dutchman's future has come under persistent scrutiny since the start of the season

Mark Critchley
Wembley
Saturday 23 April 2016 14:42 EDT
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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal (Getty)

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Louis van Gaal is not looking ahead to next season just yet, despite the promise offered by Manchester United's progression into the FA Cup final.

The Dutchman's side saw off semi-final opponents Everton with a 2-1 win at Wembley, but required a stoppage time strike from Anthony Martial to guarantee their return to the national stadium in May.

Van Gaal could yet end the season with a trophy, despite his position coming under scrutiny throughout the campaign and Jose Mourinho, his friend and the former Chelsea manager, being continually linked with the job.

Although success in the FA Cup could strengthen his case to stay on Old Trafford, the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich head coach said he is only concentrating on the present and any decision on his future is for the club's board to make.

"I am not looking beyond this competition and FA Cup because we live in the present and for the future, I discuss that with my board and not with you."

When reminded that his contract with the club does not expire until the summer of next year, he said: "Yes, you repeat what I always have said.

"It's not for me to judge, it's for the board of Manchester United. You can also be positive about the semi-final, maybe? You can also ask about the football."

Roberto Martinez has also come under increased scrutiny in recent months but the Everton manager remains confident that he can turn things around at Goodison Park.

Victory in the FA Cup and the Toffees' first trophy in over two decades would almost certainly have bought the Spaniard more time.

However, this exit will only heighten the pressure on Martinez, and the former Wigan Athletic manager's future now seems to hang in the balance.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez
Everton manager Roberto Martinez (Getty)

"Well obviously I've been here three years now and I've always said Everton is a very special football club," he said.

"Of course, it hasn't been easy to try and bring silverware back to Goodison," he added. "I feel that every season we are developing and reaching certain signs that we can please our fans and bring the silverware they deserve.

"Clearly, moments like these of true disappointment, its very very difficult to see through the real good things that we have and that we've developed over the last few seasons."

Martinez, who saw his side roundly booed by their own supporters after a listless first-half display, believes that he is the right man to turn around the club's fortunes.

"I am [the right man for the job]. I've got so attached to the football club, to Everton, and my ambition is exactly the same as the club's ambition.

"I just share the drive that the football club has, which is getting into the Champions League, getting into situations where we can bring silverware to the football club.

"I have a very strong drive and I will give everything I've got to fulfill those expectations."

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