Silverware Beats Fourth Place Finish – Louis van Gaal
Written 1 year ago by Will O'Callaghan
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal believes lifting the FA Cup at Wembley would do more for his side’s development than Champions League qualification could have.
A disappointing Barclays Premier League campaign saw United finish fifth, meaning they lose their seat at European football’s top table next term, but Van Gaal thinks victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday will help galvanize his squad.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has previously described finishing in the top four as the equivalent of a trophy, but the Dutchman thinks cup glory brings a more tangible sense of achievement to players and fans.
United have not laid their hands on silverware since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and Van Gaal is eager to change that.
“I have read that the last FA Cup [win for United] was 2004, so it is a long time ago. It is always exciting when you are so close, but close is not enough, you have to win it.
“When you win silverware it is always important, because a qualification is not a title.
“A title is an FA Cup, a championship. For players it is very important, because they can hold the Cup, and that is an exciting moment.
“Especially here in England, the FA Cup is a big title. We are playing in the most prestigious temple of England, so everything confirms how important this Cup is.”
Van Gaal brushed aside the importance of the result to his position.
“Of course you have set your own aims and that is one of the aims I have had, always.
“But it is not good to speak about my interests, it is good to speak about the interests of the club. For the club, this is very important.
Image – Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe
