Louis van Gaal believes he still has the backing of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward despite reports that he could only have one game left to save his job as Manchester United manager.
The Dutchman was given a resounding endorsement by the United hierarchy in recent briefings, when he was described as a "genius."
But since then his team have lost three games in a row, crashing out of the Champions League with a 3-2 defeat to Wolfsburg before being beaten in back-to-back games by promoted clubs, in Bournemouth and Norwich.
Supporters at Old Trafford on Saturday chorused the name of Jose Mourinho, who is available after he was sacked by Chelsea.
Van Gaal, who has 18 months left on his three-year contract, spoke to Woodward after the Norwich loss and is convinced he is still in his corner.
"Ed was very fast out of the dressing room but I feel that support, yes," he told reporters.
"The most important support is from the players because the players have to do it on the pitch and the chemistry between the players and the managers, and his staff is very important.
"Of course the belief of the fans in the manager is also very important. Last year we had only 13 [points, after the first 10 games] and they believe in me. Now we are in a bad period, we have lost three matches in a row, and their belief has been tested."
Saturday's defeat at home to Norwich saw United drop out the Premier League's top four, going below Tottenham on goal difference. Matches at Stoke City on Boxing Day and at home against Chelsea two days later could be pivotal to Van Gaal's future.