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Ahead of the FA Cup quarterfinal match against Arsenal, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has re-iterated that the club’s priority this season is to finish in the top four of the Premier League and mentioned that a title win would be fantastic in his first season with the Red Devils. The winner of the Monday’s quarterfinal clearly have a chance of success in the FA Cup, as most of the Premier League heavyweights have already been eliminated.
“Every match is just as important as the next, and every result can influence the next,” he explained.
“We are in a rat race in the Premier League and the Arsenal game is separate from that, but if we do well we would take the good feeling and confidence into our next games. That is usually how football works.” he said.
United have maintained a top-four position throughout their struggles and has won their last two Premier league games against Sunderland and Newcastle.
The aim is to reach top four this season: van Gaal
Van Gaal also mentioned that he has managed to win something in his first season with a club and said that the aim is to qualify for the Champions League.
“A title would be fantastic in my first season,” he said
“Everywhere I have been I have always managed to win something in my first season, but the most important thing is the goal we have set, and that is the top four. The aim is to reach the top four in our first year together, and if we do not achieve that you can write that we have failed.” he added.
“Of course the top four and the FA Cup would be the ideal result, but for a top club the Champions League always represents the highest level. Anyone would like to win the FA Cup, but it does not put you into the Champions League,”
The Dutchman also agreed with Arsene Wenger’s assessment that finishing in the top four in the Premier League is akin to winning a trophy.
“Yes, I think that he’s right. I think Arsene Wenger is always saying the right things. I think that for a club the Champions League is the highest level and that’s why he is saying that. And to finish in the first four, it’s a fantastic result, I think, and for us, Manchester United, more I think.” he said.
