London : Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has admitted that a defeat at the hands of Manchester City can end his side’s hopes of finishing the Premier League in top-four.
Van Gaal’s side are currently sixth in the league table and four points behind fourth-placed City.
Admitting that the upcoming clash against Manuel Pellegrini’s side is a ‘do or die’ situation, Van Gaal said that his side had to display the same kind of performance as they had performed against Arsenal.
“The gap is four points already. And there is also West Ham United, because they are ahead also. So it is not just City, it is also West Ham United. Seven points is too much, I think,” the Dutchman was quoted as saying.
The 64-year-old further said that his side are eyeing third spot in the Premier League, insisting that United wanted to be placed better than the last year.
“We actually wanted for third place, because last year we were fourth and you always want to be better. But so far we have underachieved. There are factors behind that though,” he added.
United will now head into the clash with their local rivals following their Europa League exit at the hands of Liverpool on Thursday.
The two sides will lock horns at Emirates Stadium on Sunday. (ANI)