Louis van Gaal has indicated that he expects to remain in charge of Manchester United next season.
With the Red Devils languishing in sixth position and having exited the Champions League at the group stages, there have been widespread reports that the Dutchman will be relieved of his duties in the summer.
The rumourmill was further intensified when the 64-year-old was omitted from the promotional material for the club's pre-season tour to China.
However, Van Gaal has claimed that it was at his insistence that United will only spend eight days in the Far East so that he can have plenty of time to work with his players back home.
"I am there for every step that is being made for next season and I decided that we would only go to China for eight days," he told reporters.
"I have been there before and I have also played myself in a tournament in Shanghai and we couldn't train properly because of the air and the humidity.
"We are going only because of commercial purposes. As manager of Manchester United, I know that we have to do that. But I have also made it that we are going for no more than eight days. After that, we are back again to train."
Jose Mourinho and current assistant Ryan Giggs are the favourites to replace Van Gaal should the United board wield the axe.
Liam Apicella
