Man Utd boss Van Gaal targets “important” FA Cup win

Michael Graham
Louis van Gaal: Not retired after all

Louis van Gaal: Not retired after all

Winning the FA Cup could be more beneficial in Manchester United’s rebuilding than Champions League qualification would’ve been, says Louis van Gaal.

United finished fifth in the Premier League, meaning they lose their seat at European football’s top table next term, but Van Gaal thinks victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday will help galvanize his squad.

Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger has previously described finishing in the top four as the equivalent of a trophy, but the Dutchman thinks cup glory brings a different kind of excitement to players and fans.

United have not laid their hands on silverware since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and Van Gaal is eager to change that.

“Qualification is not a title…a title is the FA Cup, the championship,” he said.

“It is important for the players. They can look at and hold the cup, that’s an exciting moment and especially here in England because the FA Cup is a big title.

“Also for Manchester United it is a big title. I have read that the club’s last FA Cup was 2004 so that’s a long time ago.

“The fans are more concerned about the title than I because the title for the fans is fantastic. We want to give it (to them).”