Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says defeat is not an option as the Reds go into Sunday’s game against Manchester City at the Etihad.
The rousing but ultimately unsuccessful second leg game against Liverpool in the Europa League on Thursday has meant that a fourth place finish in the Premier League represents United’s only way into next season’s Champions League competition.
And with games running out, the Dutchman is acutely aware that Sunday’s game will go a long way towards deciding United’s, and perhaps his own, fate next season.
He said: “We are now four points behind [City]. We have to win otherwise the gap is bigger and bigger and the matches you have to play are not so big.
“If we lose, the gap is seven points with eight games left. It would be very hard to recover, still possible, but difficult because West Ham are [also] in front.”
Van Gaal declared that he would analyse City’s probable team and try to “disorganise” their defence.
“[Nicolas] Otamendi can’t play. [Vincent] Kompany can’t play so their defence is [Eliaquim] Mangala and [Martin] Demichelis. We normally know how City will play.” he continued.
Van Gaal predictably bemoaned the lack of preparation time thanks to playing on Thursday prior to Sunday’s game.
He said: “The players are already recovering and taking ice baths. I can’t train them. And we have not trained for three weeks.
“We will have to wait and see which players are available, and this influences my game plan. With some players I can’t play my game style.” admitted the Dutchman.
He also declared that he was ready for whatever the season had left to bring to United despite the possibility that he would fail to reach the minimum standard expected this season.
“Our purpose was to reach the top three because we want to do better than last year.” said Van Gaal, who also denied that there was any pressure to improve things.
“I am never feeling under pressure, I do what I have to do.”