Van Gaal: Top Four More Important than FA Cup

Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal has said that a top four Premier League place is more important than winning the English FA Cup.

United host Arsenal in the FA Cup last eight today as they challenge to get back into the Champions League by claiming a top-four league spot.

Van Gaal said: “To finish in the first four is a fantastic result and for us at Manchester United even more I think.

“If you win the FA Cup you are not in the Champions League but you have won a title.”

United is currently fourth in the top flight and a point behind third-placed Arsenal.

Fifth-placed Liverpool is two points behind Van Gaal’s side, while Tottenham, in sixth, is three points adrift of the Old Trafford side, with seventh-placed Southampton four behind.

Following the game against Arsenal, United face Tottenham, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City in the league.

“I want to get always the goals that we have set, and the goals we have set is the top four, and a trophy would be fantastic,” said Van Gaal.

“It’s fantastic for the players and the manager but our role in our first year together is to win a place in the Champions League.

“I think that Arsene Wenger is right - I think that Arsene Wenger is always saying right things - for a club, Champions League is the highest level and that’s why he’s saying that.”

Wenger admits that, while the game between the two clubs may not have the appeal it once did, he still expects a tough match.

“For years it was always the game of the season that decided the Premier League, at this moment it is not the case, but it is still a big game,” he said.

“They are still a strong side. You go there and I don’t expect any weakness from Man United.

“They have lost just two games in the last 22, so if you want to beat them you have to produce a performance.”