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Manchester United vs Arsenal: Louis van Gaal concedes 'Champions League is more important than the FA Cup'

United manager reiterates that a top-four finish remains the priority at Old Trafford

Saturday 07 March 2015 23:30 GMT

Louis van Gaal said of his No 2 Ryan Giggs: ‘Everyone can see we have a very good relationship’ (Getty Images)

Louis van Gaal has re-iterated Manchester United’s priority this season is to finish in the top four of the Premier League as the club prepare to meet Arsenal in the quarter-final of the FA Cup tomorrow evening.

“When you win the FA Cup you are not in the Champions League,” Van Gaal said, “but you have won a title [cup]. For the players, that’s fantastic, and for the manager that’s fantastic, but our goal [priority] is to reach, in our first year together, a place in the Champions League.”

Van Gaal said he agreed with Arsene Wenger’s assessment that finishing in the top four in the Premier League is akin to winning a trophy: “Yes, I think that he’s right. I think Arsene Wenger is always saying the right things.

Manchester United summer signings - assessed

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1/6Manchester United summer signings - assessed

Manchester United summer signings - assessed

Ander Herrera (£29million)

A long-term target for the club, Herrera finally arrived from Bilbao for nearly £30m, United’s first move of the window. The Spaniard has had a couple of injury problems of his own but, inexplicably if you ask fans, has not found favour under Van Gaal. The midfielder, classy on the ball and strong in the tackle, looks a good player whenever he plays, but has only started six Premier League matches. Hit or Miss? MISS

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Manchester United summer signings - assessed

Luke Shaw (£30m)

Struggled with fitness (and perhaps weight) issues at the start of the season, feeling Van Gaal’s wrath. Had to wait until the end of September to make his first start for his new team. Clearly talented the England teenager has grown in confidence and gained the confidence of his manager; Shaw is now a starter on the left when fit. HIT

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Manchester United summer signings - assessed

Marcos Rojo (£16m)

Another who has struggled with injury problems, Rojo has only started 10 matches this season. Has been inconsistent and erratic in his performances and has a long way to go to reach the level of the men he replaced, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. MISS

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Manchester United summer signings - assessed

Angel Di Maria (£59.7m)

The British record signing started his United career fantastically, looking like a player worth all the money that was paid for him. But sadly for the club he has picked up a series of injuries that have limited him to just 131 minutes of action since the end of November. United know they overpaid for him, but he will come good when fit. MISS

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Manchester United summer signings - assessed

Daley Blind (£14m)

When Blind started his first couple of games, fans and pundits wondered if the club had found a new midfield linchpin. But Blind was then injured and Michael Carrick returned in great form, leaving a those same fans and pundits wondering what the fuss over the Dutchman was about. His versatility will come in handy in the future, however. MISS

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Manchester United summer signings - assessed

Radamel Falcao (£6m loan)

The biggest disappointment of them all, Falcao arrived on an expensive loan deal that United are now hesitant of extending. The Colombian star has played well in spots, but he was bought for his goals and has produced just three of them in his 13 matches. Still far from full fitness or his very best, a permanent deal will not happen unless Monaco lower their £43m asking price, or the striker begins to find the kind of form that made him one of the world’s best. MISS

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“The Champions League is the highest level. To finish in the first four is a fantastic result I think, and for Manchester United more.”

United received £44.7m from Uefa for reaching the Champions League quarter-finals last season under David Moyes, not to mention the revenue generated from five home games at Old Trafford.

They have no such income this season and the possibility of finishing outside the top four again is exercising minds at Old Trafford.

Just four points separate third-placed Arsenal from Tottenham in sixth. After tomorrow’s cup tie, United play Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea over their next five League games.

Louis van Gaal jokes during the win over Newcastle (GETTY IMAGES)

Van Gaal said: “Monday is very important because every match that you play carries an influence into the next match. We are in a rat race in the Premier League and the club who win this match have a very good feeling for the next matches.

“After the defeat at Swansea City, we’ve won two matches. We have a good feeling now.

“That’s what I am saying.

“I want to get the goals that we have set and the goal we have set is the first [top] four.”

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