Manchester, Jan 29 (IANS): English football giants Manchester United's coach Louis van Gaal has said he didn't offer his resignation in the aftermath of the 0-1 defeat against Southampton and wishes to continue till his contract expires.

Reports suggested the Dutchman had submitted his resignation after the defeat in the English Premier League on Saturday.

"I have not mentioned that (resignation), ever. I am always fighting," van Gaal was quoted as saying by goal.com on Friday.

"I have signed a three-year contract here. It's a process, not one game, and I want to continue until the end. When I'm not willing to do that, I don't think I would have started here one-and-a-half years ago."

The 64-year-old believes the club's owners still support him.

"When I have signed for clubs, I have always spoken a long time with the CEO or with the owners, not only at United, but also at Bayern Munich and Barcelona, and I have the faith that they always support me."

"But that gives more pressure to you, because you must fulfil the expectations they have of you. Of course we can fulfil those expectations. We are now only halfway."

With United already out of Champions League and League Cup, Van Gaal hopes to continue their Football Association (FA) Cup quest with a trip to Derby County and the coach says he cannot afford to lose any more.

"I cannot lose any more, because then I am condemned for the fourth time that I have been sacked," he said referring to newspaper reports that he has been sacked thrice in his career.