Louis van Gaal: 'Manchester City CL exit makes no difference to top-four battle'

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal does not believe that Manchester City's defeat last night to Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals hinders his side's hopes of sneaking into the top four.

City lost out 1-0 on aggregate to 10-time European champions Real in their first Champions League semi-final, but their exit means that they can now fully focus on finishing in the top four.

Manuel Pellegrini's side are four points ahead of Van Gaal's charges, although the Red Devils do have a game in hand on their neighbours but also the FA Cup final later this month to think about.

"The situation has not been changed by the defeat of Manchester City. It is the same situation," Van Gaal told reporters today.

The Dutchman also said that City, who have now not won in three matches, may be keen to respond in emphatic fashion when they take on third-placed Arsenal this Sunday.

When asked about the way to recover after an important defeat, Van Gaal added: "It's dependable on the team and the way you recover in your head also.

"We have done that several times after a big defeat. That's why I said I'm proud of my players at the [end-of-season] gala, they have the spirit to show that after a big defeat."

Van Gaal's side travel to face relegation-threatened Norwich City on Saturday before finishing the season with matches against West Ham United and Bournemouth.