Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has insisted that he would prefer to win the FA Cup rather than the Europa League this season.
Van Gaal’s comments come ahead of his side’s Europa League clash with Midtjylland on Thursday night, and it will undoubtedly come as a surprise for some given that it will be the club’s most feasible route back into the Champions League.
While the winner of the competition will immediately go into the pot for next season’s Champions League, United currently sit six points behind Manchester City for the fourth and final qualification spot through the league as it becomes more and more unlikely that they will bridge the gap.
With the setback of seeing Wayne Rooney ruled out for at least two months, it would suggest that Europe would be a priority for the club, but not for Van Gaal.
“My personal wish is to win the FA Cup. I have already won the UEFA Cup and I want to win a title in England,” Van Gaal said according to The Telegraph,
“That is why I have come to this country, to make Manchester United champions or give them a title [in England], but I understand — for Manchester United it is much more important to win the Europa League because it will give us the Champions League.
“It is not only my best route, but ours I think.”
With the likes of Sevilla, Napoli, Dortmund Bayer Leverkusen and Tottenham all involved in the Europa League, it remains to be seen whether or not the Red Devils can enjoy a deep run in the competition and win silverware.
However, Van Gaal is keen not to look past their next opponents, with Midtjylland winning the Danish league last year and they will be expected to produce an improved performance against their illustrious rivals.