Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says he agrees with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on the importance of finishing in the top four of the Premier League table.
The Red Devils could only manage a finish of seventh last term, former manager David Moyes paying with his job as a result, and have missed out on the current edition of the Champions League.
By contrast, while trophies have been in short supply for Arsenal over the last decade, Wenger has consistently led the team into the top four places and as a result to a spot in the Champions League, boosting club coffers and prestige.
Van Gaal is aiming to finish in the top four with Manchester United this season and believes that regularly doing so is a good achievement, something Wenger has also stressed when challenged on a lack of silverware.
"I think Arsene Wenger is always saying the right things – for any club, the Champions League is the highest level", the Dutchman told a press conference.
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"To finish in the top four, it’s a fantastic achievement, and more so for Manchester United", the Manchester United manager added.
Van Gaal's men play Arsenal on Monday night, but the game will have no bearing on who finishes in the top four as it is an FA Cup quarter-final tie.
The Manchester United manager is relishing the game, while also noting that it could have an impact on the Premier League in terms of momentum.
"It’s a game between two teams of eleven players. United and Arsenal are placed third and fourth in the league, so it’s almost like a final I think.
"It’s very important, every match that you play has an influence on the next.
"We are in a rat race in the Premier League and the club that wins the FA Cup match on Monday will have good momentum for the league games."
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