Van Gaal desperate for Champions League spot

United and fifth-placed Southampton only top-four hopefuls in action.

MANCHESTER: Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes it would be a major disappointment if his side is unable to escape “the rat race” and secure a return to the Champions League.

Just four points separate Arsenal in third with 48 points and Tottenham in seventh place with 44 points. And Van Gaal claims it is essential his side, in fourth, beat Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday to keep up the pressure on their top-four rivals.

“It is because of the rat race between five clubs that we have to win, we have to be there,” said Van Gaal. “When I came here, that was my goal and we are still there.”

Van Gaal has been satisfied with results United have produced recently, with last weekend’s 2-1 loss to Swansea City only their second defeat in 20 matches.

But he believes there are still big improvements to be made. “I am pleased with the results, but not with a lot of the performances,” he said. “Our process is continuing and always we are going better. So, we are not unhappy. When you see our matches we are mostly the better team, but the better team is not always winning.”

Ahead of the game against Sunderland, United midfielder Michael Carrick has resumed training following his recovery from a calf strain but is unlikely to be risked.

The Red Devils are definitely without Netherlands striker Robin van Persie, who misses out with an ongoing ankle problem. “He [Van Persie] is injured. The only injured player that I have. So, we change Carrick for Van Persie,” said Van Gaal. “Van Persie has an ankle problem so I don’t think it is heavy, but an ankle problem takes a long time. It’s not one or two weeks, but we will have to wait and see.”

However, the Dutch manager added that the midfielder may not be ready to feature yet. “Carrick is very experienced and he can play in a very important position,” he added. “But he also needs match rhythm. He trained only once with us, with the group, so he needs to also play in the second team.”

With Southampton their only top-four rival in action on Saturday, the onus is on United to keep up the pressure. Tottenham play in the League Cup final against Chelsea and are not involved in the league this weekend, while Arsenal and Liverpool — against City — play on Sunday.

The Saints visit West Bromwich Albion, where they will look to reenergise their season following a run of just one win in four matches, which also includes a 2-0 defeat to fellow Champions League hopefuls Liverpool last time around.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th, 2015.

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