Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal relying on Arsenal
Sunday 8 May 2016 07:56, UK
Louis van Gaal says Manchester United are relying on Arsenal to beat Manchester City on Super Sunday.
United are one point behind neighbours City in fifth place after Juan Mata scored the only goal of the game to defeat Norwich 1-0 at Carrow Road on Saturday.
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Van Gaal praised United's narrow win and said his side remained in the hunt for a top-four finish.
"We did our job today. Fantastic, I think," Van Gaal said.
"When you see the second half, we deserved to win. We're still in the race [for the top four]. Now we are dependent on Arsenal."
City could open the gap to four points when they take on Arsenal at the Etihad in the late kick-off on Sunday before United travel to what will be an emotionally charged Upton Park on Tuesday to face West Ham.
Mata scored when Wayne Rooney, who returned to his central striker role after Anthony Martial pulled up injured in the warm-up, capitalised on Sebastien Bassong's error to roll the ball to the Spaniard.
Speaking after the match, Van Gaal revealed United's second all-time top goalscorer was disappointed to be moved from the central midfield role he has played since returning from injury.
"I don't think he was very happy with me that I decided to put him in the striker's position, but he could imagine also [why he had to play there]," Van Gaal said.
"He gave a fantastic assist to Juan Mata."
