Louis van Gaal believes he retains the full backing of the Glazer family despite a difficult first year in charge of Manchester United . The next five matches will have a big bearing on whether Van Gaal 's maiden season at the club will be regarded as a success or failure . United are two points inside the top four with 10 matches to go and after Sunday 's game against Tottenham , they face Liverpool , Aston Villa , Manchester City and Chelsea . Louis van Gaal is targeting second place in the Barclays Premier League with a late push in the run-in . The Manchester United manager believes catching local rivals Manchester City is an achievable target . Despite a run of three defeats in 23 matches , some supporters have complained about a lack of tempo , flair and width from Van Gaal 's side . But , crucially , the United boss thinks he still has the support of the Glazer family , who own the club , and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward . ' I have faith that I can complete my three years , ' the United manager said . ' I think they are pleased with my way of managing the club . ' Van Gaal proudly recalled the long list of successes to support his point at a press conference on Friday . The Dutchman reminded those present that he had won silverware in his first season at Ajax , Barcelona and Bayern Munich . Ryan Giggs and Van Gaal have n't had the greatest season but are still well in with a chance of a top four spot . The 63-year-old also recalled the fact that he won the 2008-09 Eredivisie with AZ Alkmaar a year after finishing 11th . ' I said I will ( leave ) but the ( AZ ) players came to my house to ask me to stay , and the board also , ' he said . 'Then we were the champion . ' Van Gaal accepts it will be 'very difficult ' to win a trophy in his maiden year in England . United are out of the FA Cup following their quarter-final defeat to Arsenal and they are 10 points behind Chelsea , who have a match in hand . Van Gaal 's sole task is bringing Champions League football back to Old Trafford . The Dutchman has not contemplated what failure would cost United . 'No . I do n't think I am here to think about the financial consequences . That is Ed Woodward . I am here to manage the professional football department of Manchester United , ' Van Gaal said . United are facing a difficult run following their FA Cup exit at the hands of Arsenal last Monday . Van Gaal has been criticised for his 'long ball ' tactics but insists the club support his philosophy . ' I am here because of my qualities and my philosophy . That we have spoken about in our first sessions with each other , Ed Woodward and myself . After that I have spoken with the Glazers . Because of those discussions I am here now . ' I am not thinking of the consequences if we are not in the first four . It is very bad for the club . But why do we have to speak about things that are not happening yet ? 'We are longer in the top four than Arsenal . ' Van Gaal is likely to receive significant backing in the transfer market regardless of where United finish . Most of last year 's signings continue to struggle . Angel di Maria cost £59.7million but his star has faded fast after an encouraging start . British football 's record signing is suspended for Sunday 's match against Spurs after being sent off for tugging referee Michael Oliver 's shirt in the defeat to Arsenal . The Argentinian has also had to deal with off-the-pitch problems , most notably a house move after his Cheshire mansion was targeted by burglars in February . Van Gaal insists Di Maria is happy at United and believes he will be at the club next season despite rumours of interest from abroad . Angel di Maria pleads his innocence after being booked by referee Michael Oliver in the defeat to Arsenal . Oliver shows the red card to Di Maria after he tugged at the referees shirt following a yellow card . 'As a manager you can never say no or yes because , in the end , the player shall always decide . But I do n't think he shall move , ' Van Gaal said . 'Nevertheless , his incident with his wife at home , he is very pleased to be here at Manchester United . ' I think that he shall stay because his reaction after the defeat and the red card is very good . I like his attitude . ' Van Gaal says his door is always open if Di Maria or any other player becomes unhappy . Van Gaal insists Di Maria will stay at Old Trafford , despite his unrest both on and off the field . ' I am always like that , ' he said . 'That is part of my philosophy . A football player is not only a man who kicks the ball . Also , his environment is influencing him . I shall always be open for ( that ) . ' I know also the commercial interests of the club and we have to respect that also because you can not give a lot of money for the player and the next season you put him out of your selection , ' Van Gaal added . 'It is also the quality of the player . Then they also have to pay the sum . '
Louis van Gaal says Manchester United trust in his philosophy . The Dutchman has been linked with a move to Real Madrid and is expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of this season.