The Manchester United manager has long been rumoured to be facing the sack in the summer, and for the last season many of the ex-United players have sniped from the sidelines.

Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes have both been open in their criticism, with Ryan Giggs’ old team-mate Scholes being the harshest on the Dutch manager.

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Van Gaal, though, is not willing to give up in the face of criticism.

“‘In spite of the attacks of the media – and not only the media, the legends and other kinds of people – I am here and I am fighting, I am an open book..

Salford City co-owner Paul Scholes with television presenter Dan Walker and pundit Danny Murphy with the FA Cup trophy before the game Image credit: Reuters

He continued, suggesting that the criticism from those associated with the club has made his and United’s task that more difficult.

"And I believe in myself, I believe in Manchester, I believe in the players. I hope that everybody is believing like me, then it is much more easier."

Van Gaal suggested that his time at United has not been a failure, and that qualification for the Champions League is a serious achievement, even if others demand league trophies.

“When you have expectations that Manchester United has to be champions, then you’re disappointed. But when we qualify ourselves or win a title, I am satisfied. But in the eyes of some fans, or many fans, that’s not enough because you have to win the title.”

And, despite the rumours that he will soon be replaced by Jose Mourinho in the summer, Van Gaal professed that he expected to remain in charge at United next season.

“I have the impression that I will still be here, otherwise I can’t say all the things that I have said. But in the football world, you never know, and I have seen that before.”

Not content with defending his work at Old Trafford, he also suggested that the year in which Leicester won the title was "such a strong league", and that his side was hampered by their injury list.

"There was a moment we could have been first in the league when we drew at Leicester and after that we had 14 injuries. It is not easy or helpful in such a strong league," he said.

"The youngsters did a great job and now at some point players came back, competition is high. If everyone is fit you are stronger."

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