English Premier League: Van Gaal feels top-four finish possible

1-0 win over Palace the first in four matches for the Red Devils

MANCHESTER: Manager Louis van Gaal believes Manchester United's chances of finishing in the Premier League top four remain in their own hands after they returned to winning ways against Crystal Palace.

United recorded their first win in four matches but were made to work hard against a spirited but limited Crystal Palace side at Old Trafford on Saturday.

"I am happy with the three points and we stay in the race to end in the places that we want to be in," said Van Gaal. "We stay two points behind fourth place. It's in our hands and that's important."

Juan Mata scored the decisive goal in the 67th minute, four minutes after being introduced as a substitute.

The Spanish midfielder's shot from 22 yards was fierce and a slight deflection meant Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni could not keep it out.

It was Mata's third goal in a campaign of limited opportunities, and the former Chelsea playmaker came close to adding to his tally when he hit the post with three minutes remaining.

With Marcus Rojo, Rafael, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans all injured and Chris Smalling suspended, Van Gaal was again forced to field an unfamiliar defence. Paddy McNair and Daley Blind were chosen as central defensive partners and they helped United keep a first clean sheet since September 14. However, Van Gaal said the clean-sheet was not only down to the defenders. "It's not a matter of defence, it's a matter of organisation when we don't have the ball," said the Dutchman. "It means that it's the whole team who have to defend.”

City continue to stutter

United’s Manchester neighbours also continued to struggle as they were only able to record a 2-2 draw against 19^th-placed QPR, with Sergio Aguero saving the Citizen’s blushes with a late equaliser.

However, just like van Gaal, City manager Manuel Pellegrini also remains upbeat and feels that Chelsea can be caught up with. "I am not worried about Chelsea,” said the Chilean. “We will see if they can continue that until the end of the year.”

 

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