Van Gaal targeting top four and trophy for Man Utd

Mark Holmes
Louis van Gaal: Believes his methods are working

Louis van Gaal: Believes his methods are working

Louis van Gaal wants to lead Manchester United to a place in the top four of the Premier League and at least one trophy this season.

United visit West Brom on Sunday looking to win a fifth game in succession for the first time in this topsy-turvy season – a result that would ratchet up the pressure on faltering rivals Manchester City.

Manuel Pellegrini’s fourth-placed side have a game in hand but, just weeks after looking out of sight, now find themselves level on points with United following the midweek results.

Van Gaal’s best chance of Champions League qualification had until recently looked to be through the Europa League – which continues against rivals Liverpool at the last-16 juncture next week – but now his side are in the hunt for a top-four finish.

“(The top four is) still our aim, I’ve said that also in that time,” Van Gaal said.

“But our aim is also to win a title and a title is winning the Europa League and, of course, Manchester United have not won this (competition before).

“It should be fantastic for Manchester United and the fans, when you win a title, but the (last) FA Cup is many years ago so that would be fantastic also.

“A title is always more (important) than fourth position, but the Champions League is our aim so that’s why the Europa League is very important or the fourth position in the league.”

Overcoming Tony Pulis’ West Brom will be key to maintaining the pressure on those in the Champions League places, but there appears no chance of complacency seeping in after the recent upturn in fortunes.

“Of course, when you see we have closed the gap a little bit, then your belief shall raise,” Van Gaal added.

“I am talking about to my players that you first have to believe in it. I believe in it, but the most important thing is that the players have to believe that.

“I think that they now understand that you can believe it, but, still, we have to beat West Bromwich Albion. That’s not easy.

“Last year we played there (and drew 2-2) so it is not an easy opponent, and at home we lost last season.

“We won against them (this campaign) and we hope to win also on Sunday.”