Rampant speculation linking Jose Mourinho with a move to Old Trafford hasn't impacted Louis van Gaal's confidence regarding his return to Manchester United next season.
The Dutch gaffer's future has been a hot topic since Mourinho parted ways with Chelsea in December, with various reports suggesting his arrival in Manchester is imminent.
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Van Gaal remains confident in his future in Manchester, though, insisting he'll be in charge by the time the 2016-17 campaign rolls around so he can complete the objective he presented to United's board when he was hired in 2014.
"Of course they knew it would be hard," Van Gaal told reporters ahead of United's match against Leicester City. "That is why they hired me. We spoke about that at the start and we have a process of three years. I (wanted) to sign for two years, they want three years, not I.
"I have signed for three years so next year you see me again!
"I am a realistic man and I only speak about facts. There are a lot of positives but now we are one position less than last year and that position is very important for the club, the most important position.
"I'm always having that positive feeling because I have done it at every club and I'm here to do that for his club."
United will look to win its first piece of silverware under Van Gall later this month when it clashes with Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.