Louis van Gaal: 'Winning FA Cup more important than finishing in top four'

The eternally-outraged Louis van Gaal watches on during the Premier League game between Manchester United and Aston Villa on April 16, 2016
© Getty Images
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes that winning the FA Cup will provide more joy to his players than simply finishing in the Premier League's top four.

Louis van Gaal has admitted that he is desperate to pick up some silverware at Manchester United this season by any means necessary.

The Dutchman's job is reportedly on the line heading into this weekend's FA Cup final meeting with Crystal Palace, due to an underwhelming two-year spell at Old Trafford thus far that has seen the club fall short domestically and in Europe.

Van Gaal, who still has one more year left to run on the contract signed in 2014, is thought to be on the brink of being sacked by United after missing out on the Premier League's top four.

Saturday's showdown with Palace offers a welcome reprieve for the experienced boss, with Van Gaal suggesting that lifting a trophy means far more to his players than merely qualifying for the Champions League.

"Your starting point is always to impress and perform good, but that depends on a lot of factors, including your opponent," he told reporters. "Our starting point is to win well and score beautiful goals. But if we win 1-0 that is also enough.

"Winning is the most important thing in a final, otherwise you have nothing. It is always important to win silverware. For players, qualification is not a title. A title is the FA Cup and championship.

"They can look and hold the cup. That is exciting. The FA Cup is a big title in England. We are playing in the most prestigious temple of England. It confirms how important it is."

Man United finished their league campaign with a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on Tuesday night - a result that saw them miss out on the top four by goal difference alone.

Jose Mourinho, Manager of Chelsea makes a point during the UEFA Champions League Group G match between Chelsea FC and FC Porto at Stamford Bridge on December 9, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.
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