LVG remains focused as Man Utd look to seal top four finish

Louis van Gaal is continuing to take it slowly but surely despite the good run of form that has seen his side edge towards the top four.

Doubts about the manager’s future was positive last week, with wins against Shrewsbury, FC Midtjylland and Arsenal complemented by teenager Marcus Rashford’s remarkable emergence.

It looked as if the negativity would return, though, as Watford looked set to upset the home faithful yesterday, only for Juan Mata’s late free-kick to secure a fourth successive win in all competitions

The strike was pure classic as it was important given he secured a 1-0 win that moved injury-plagued United level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand as well as a better goal difference.

“We have to go step by step, I think,” Van Gaal said when asked about his side’s top-four hopes.

“Of course we have now four victories in a row, it is fantastic, but we have a very small selection at the moment.

“We have the same problems as three weeks ago. Players are coming back but still I have to solve a problem every week in my line-up, so when players are coming back, they are not fit enough.

“I think we are did great in the last four matches but still we have to go step by step.”

A trip to West Brom on Sunday now awaits Van Gaal’s men as they try to secure their top four status against a resilient West Brom side tutoured by Tony Pulis.