LONDON • Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has admitted that the English football club's board will need to review his position if they fail to finish in the top four this season.

United went into the weekend sixth in the Premier League, and have eight league games left, starting with the hosting of Everton today.

When asked if he expected to be sacked if United miss out on Champions League qualification, he said: "I cannot say that because I think the board has to evaluate after the results of this year. I think that is normal. I cannot predict that when I do not know the facts.

"First you have to see the facts.The results and titles and Champions League positions you can only say at May 15 (the last day of the Premier League season). Then you have to evaluate the circumstances of how I had to work in the season.

"An example of that is in the interview of Sir Alex (Ferguson). I am a rational person. I know a Manchester United manager has to win something, but I am still working on that. I do think every match counts - every match."

Former United manager Ferguson had offered the Dutchman words of encouragement earlier in the week, urging United fans to be patient with their manager.

"I think he is right," said van Gaal, whose contract at United expires next year. "All the members of the board are always supporting you. That's remarkable."

Van Gaal will be without Luke Shaw, Wayne Rooney, Phil Jones and Bastian Schweinsteiger for today's game, while Ashley Young and Ander Herrera are also in doubt.

THE TIMES, LONDON

MAN UNITED V EVERTON

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