Louis van Gaal: Man Utd boss says Derby defeat may get him sacked 'again'

Emirates FA Cup fourth round: Derby v Manchester United Venue: iPro Stadium Date: Friday, 29 January Kick-off: 19:55 GMT

Coverage: Live on www.dblissmedia.com

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says an FA Cup defeat at Derby on Friday could get him sacked - for the fourth time this season.

The Dutchman, 64, said speculation he offered to resign after the 1-0 loss to Southampton was "awful and horrible".

In a swipe at the media, he claimed journalists had "sacked" him three times already this season, and would do so again if United lose at Derby.

"Maybe then you have written the truth because sometimes it happens," he said.

United are 10 points behind Premier League leaders Leicester, five points adrift of Tottenham in fourth place and out of the Champions League.

Derby County vs Manchester United : Louis Van Gaal Press Conference Below:

Speaking before Friday's fourth-round match with the side fifth in the Championship, Van Gaal said questions about his future were being asked in a "disrespectful way".

"You make your stories and people believe it," he said at a news conference. "I am concerned they are believing it. You can write what you do.

"It is the third time I am sacked and I am still sitting here. Now I cannot lose any more - then for the fourth time I have been sacked."

Van Gaal praised the "fantastic" support of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and said an FA Cup win could be his saviour - as it proved for former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson in January 1990.

Ferguson was three years into the job at Old Trafford and United were plummeting towards the old First Division relegation zone when they faced Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round.