(Manchester United News)
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is relishing Monday night’s FA Cup tie against Arsenal and feels the quarter-final clash could have a significant impact on the race for the top four in the Barclays Premier League.
The Reds boss senses an opportunity to take a big step towards maintaining his record of winning a trophy in his first season with every club he’s managed.
And he also appreciates that a cup victory over United’s old rivals at Old Trafford could have a positive psychological effect in the league as the battle for Champions League places hots up.
“It’s a game between two teams of 11 players,” van Gaal told his pre-match press conference. “United and Arsenal are placed third and fourth in the league, so it’s almost like a final, I think."
He added on MUTV: "We have the support of our fans but Arsenal shall bring a lot of fans too. Also, Arsenal and United are now in third and fourth place, so it is a big event with two good teams. I hope we can give a fantastic match for the fans.
"I think if we beat them it is a big blow for them, but if they beat us it is a big blow for us. It is very important game, not only for the FA Cup but also for the rat race."
Van Gaal admires his counterpart Arsene Wenger, who has been in charge of the Gunners since 1996.
