Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has claimed that his team are in a “rat race” for a spot in the top four, also admitting that he would see it as a failure if United failed to qualify for the Champions League next season.
In his usual pre-match press conference at Carrington today, van Gaal said, “It is because of the rat race between five clubs that we have to win tomorrow [against Sunderland].
“It is not so important now, but at the end of the season. Therefore you have to win your matches because the other clubs are winning their matches.”
Manchester United currently sit in 4th place after last week’s 2-1 loss against Swansea City, one point behind 3rd placed Arsenal and one ahead of 5th placed Southampton. Liverpool and Tottenham are also hot on United’s tail, with the two sides two and three points behind respectively.
Van Gaal was tasked with immediately guiding the Red Devils back to Europe’s premier competition upon his arrival at Old Trafford, and recognised the importance of achieving that goal. The Dutchman said, “It would be a big disappointment of course, because when you start a season with the objective of finishing in the first four and getting into the Champions League, then you are occupied with that.
“But we are still there [in the top four], so I don't know why we are continuing to talk about it.”
Van Gaal also answered questions regarding his side’s injury situation, and offered some promising news, confirming that Robin van Persie is the only player currently sidelined. This, of course, means that Michael Carrick has returned from injury, but van Gaal implied it is unlikely that we will see the Englishman in tomorrow’s match against Sunderland.
“It is of course always important that players are coming back from injuries but Carrick is my second [vice] captain.” said Van Gaal.
“He is very experienced and he can play in a very important position, but he also needs match rhythm.
“He trained only one time with us, with the group so he needs to also play in the second team.”
The Dutchman failed to confirm that struggling forward Radamel Falcao would be replacing van Persie, stating that James Wilson is under consideration for a starting spot.
“You will have to wait and see. I never give you any openings [information on his starting line-up and tactics].”