Louis van Gaal is thankful for Sir Alex Ferguson's support but remains well aware that failing to finish the season with a flourish will put his Manchester United future in jeopardy.
This has been yet another frustrating campaign for the 20-time league champions, with inconsistent displays meaning Champions League qualification and FA Cup success is the best they can hope for.
It is a far cry from the successes enjoyed during Ferguson's tenure, but the former United boss this week defended the Dutchman and urged fans to be patient.
Van Gaal was thankful for that support, along with "remarkable" backing from the likes of Sir Bobby Charlton, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, managing director Richard Arnold and director David Gill.
He knows that support can only go so far, though, and is aware his position will come under further scrutiny if they fail to finish in the top four.
"I cannot say [I will be here if we fail to make the top four] because I think the board has to evaluate after the results of this year what they have to do," the United boss said.
"I think that is normal and I cannot predict that when I do not know the facts.
"First you have to see the facts, I have always said that. The results and also the titles or the Champions League positions, you can only say at the May 15 'yes, it is like that or like that'.
"Then you have to evaluate the circumstances how I had to work in the season. An example of that is in the [Sky Sports] interview of Sir Alex.
"I am a rational person. I know that a manager of Manchester United has to win something, but I am still working on that."
Van Gaal says "every match counts" now for United, who welcome Everton to Old Trafford in a Super Sunday clash buoyed by their victory at rivals Manchester City before the international break.
United are sixth in the standings, just a point off fourth-placed City, and with an FA Cup quarter-final replay at West Ham to come on April 13.
Asked if he would be surprised to lose his job if United fail to make the top four, Van Gaal added: "I cannot say that because I do not know the next eight matches.
"You can only evaluate when you have the total facts and now I cannot say that and my board cannot say that either because we have to play matches still.
"Also we have to play against West Ham United, then Everton and then the final."
Van Gaal also responded to comments by former player Angel Di Maria that he was unable to settle at Old Trafford due to being played out of position.
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| Van Gaal was not impressed with comments made by Angel Di Maria |
"So he is one of the players who are in the row of players who have no self-criticism and, unfortunately, it is also my life as a manager. It is always like that."
Watch Manchester United v Everton on Super Sunday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 1 HD at 3:30pm, after Leicester v Southampton.
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