Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has hailed his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger as "amazing", while at the same time warning the FA Cup tie between the two clubs on Monday evening could have an impact on the race for a spot in the Premier League's top four.
Van Gaal has identified the FA Cup as the trophy Manchester United are most likely to win this season and is pushing hard to capture the silverware. Wenger's Arsenal are the current holders and something will give on Monday.
The Dutchman heads into the match with nothing but respect for his opposite number though, feeling Wenger has done something simply superb by being so long lived at one of England's biggest clubs.
"In my opinion [what Wenger has done] is amazing", Van Gaal told MUTV.
"It can only be in England, I believe, where managers are so long committed with one club.
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"It shows how much he can mean for a club as a manager. I like that – like Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger – I think it's fantastic that you can do that."
Van Gaal will leave his awe of Wenger at the Old Trafford door on Monday night though, well aware what defeat could do to his side in the Premier League race, even if the match in question is an FA Cup quarter-final tie.
"I think when if beat them it is a big blow for them, but if they beat us it is a big blow for us.
"It is a very important game, not only for the FA Cup, but also for the rat race.
"We have the support of our fans but Arsenal shall also bring a lot of fans. I hope we can give a fantastic match for them."
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