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Manchester United legend: This is why Louis van Gaal has failed at Old Trafford
RIO FERDINAND believes Louis van Gaal cannot save his job at Manchester United by lifting the FA Cup because the club will not compete in the Champions League next season.
Ferdinand believes that Van Gaal's failure to qualify for the Champions League could be fatal
United will try to win their first major trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 when they face Crystal Palace at Wembley today (5.30pm).
But with reports emerging today that Jose Mourinho will be appointed on Monday, Ferdinand revealed he too believes Van Gaal cannot remain at Old Trafford.
“Beating Palace will add a bit of gloss to the end of the season but you still can’t get away from the fact they haven’t qualified for the Champions League," Ferdinand told The Sun.
“We always qualified for the Champions League.
"We never even contemplated winning a trophy without finishing in the top four.
“When we set our goals and ambitions we knew it would be an all right season if we won one of the cups, a good season if we won the Premier League and a great season if we won the Champions League.
“Not once did we even speak about trying to finish in the top four — that was a given.
"Nowadays when you ask anybody at United what their aim for the season is, they will say it is to qualify for the Champions League."