Premier League: Derby win gives van Gaal top-four finish belief

Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring against Manchester City in their EPL match in Manchester on Sunday. (Photo: AP)

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes that his team have a “big chance” of finishing in the Premier League’s top four following their 1-0 win at Manchester City.

United’s season looked to be on the rocks after they were knocked out of the Europa League by Liverpool last Thursday, but teenage striker Marcus Rashford’s clinically taken 16th-minute strike got them back on track at the Etihad Stadium in Sunday’s derby.

As well as ending a run of four games without victory in all competitions, the result took United to within a point of City, who currently occupy the fourth and final Champions League berth, and van Gaal is confident that his team can outstrip their local rivals over the eight-game run-in.

“I have said that we must win this game and we have done it, so I am very happy,” said the Dutchman, whose day had begun with fresh press reports linking Jose Mourinho to his position.

“Because otherwise the gap was too big if they won or a draw (and the gap) is still four points, eight matches to go, then it should be very difficult.

“Now it is in our own hands. We have to win our games. We have more home matches than away matches. We don’t lose so much at Old Trafford, so we have a big chance.”

City were missing defensive duo Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi and Rashford gave stand-in centre-back Martin Demichelis a torrid time, streaking past him to score the game’s only goal.

With five goals in eight games, Rashford has taken to life at Old Trafford with an ease that belies his 18 years of age, but van Gaal batted away talk that he has played himself into England contention.

“I don’t want to interfere and we don’t have to exaggerate neither,” he said.

“He is young. He is good, otherwise I don’t let him stay and I let him stay there.”