Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has insisted that his side need to defeat Swansea City on Saturday if they have any chance of winning the title.
United will attempt to end an eight-game winless streak against the Swans, having stopped a run of four straight defeats with their goalless draw with Chelsea on Monday.
While they have also crashed out of the Champions League in the group stages, Van Gaal knows the importance of picking up a win as soon as possible to not only rescue their chances of making the top four, but also to ensure that they are still involved in the Premier League title race.
“We have to get points otherwise the gap is too big and that is why we have to do what we have to do,” Van Gaal said, as reported by Sky Sports.
“We have to work, prepare the game, perform and then evaluate the game again. That is of course much more difficult when you don’t win than when you win.
“We need to win because we want to be at the end [of the season] in the top of the league, and not the middle of the league.”
The Dutchman will certainly have taken the positives out of the game against Chelsea, as his players produced a much-improved display as they attacked with intent and had the Old Trafford faithful firmly behind them.
However, it could be another frustrating afternoon against a side that hasn’t conceded a single goal in their last three outings, and ultimately the visitors will be out to keep it tight at the back before trying to hurt United on the counter attack.
While Van Gaal also paid tribute to the United fans for their continued support, he will also be aware that a win would relieve more pressure on him as speculation had suggested that he could be set for the sack.