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Louis van Gaal's Manchester United career could "hinge" on winning the FA Cup final next month, according to Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew. Pardew's Palace side will meet United at Wembley on May 21 after they defeated Watford 2-1 on Sunday to set up a repeat of the 1990 final. Then-United boss Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly kept his job after winning that year's FA Cup, before embarking on a trophy-laden spell that ended with his retirement in 2013. And Pardew feels Van Gaal might have to do the same if he still wants to be at Old Trafford next season, amid speculation that he is to be replaced by Jose Mourinho in the summer. "I remember Sir Alex's career hinged on that game and maybe LVG's career will hinge on this," Pardew, who played for Palace in the 1990 final, is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "I like the guy [Van Gaal]. He's had some terrible, terrible press and I look forward to seeing him in the final." Pardew, meanwhile, has said he is still not ready to sign a new contract at Palace. The Eagles boss, who has agreed in principle to an extension, is delaying putting pen to paper until the club have confirmed their survival in the Premier League. Palace currently sit in 16th position in the table and are eight points clear of the relegation zone with three games of the season remaining. "I'm not ready to sign yet because the decision I made was that I wouldn't sign it until we're mathematically safe," Pardew said. "We have to keep our focus and ensure the team is ready for three important league games. We need to get the points, and then we can enjoy the cup final." Information from the Press Association was used in this report.
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