Louis van Gaal: 'Premier League takes priority over FA Cup this season'

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has reiterated that his main goal in his maiden campaign at Old Trafford is to finish in the top four of the Premier League, rather than win the FA Cup.

The Dutchman has faced criticism from some sections recently due to a perceived slow style of play, although the results have not suffered with United currently fourth in the league table thanks to just two defeats in their last 18 outings.

Attention now turns to cup commitments, with Arsenal due to visit the Theatre of Dreams on Monday night, knowing that a place in the semi-finals of the showpiece competition is up for grabs.

However, Van Gaal agrees with opposite number Arsene Wenger, who previously suggested that gaining a Champions League qualification berth is the equivalent of winning a trophy.

"I want to get always the goals that we have set," he is quoted as saying by The Telegraph. "The goals that we have set is the first four. And a title is fantastic.

"What is important for the club when you win the FA Cup you are not in the Champions League but you have won the title. A title. So, for the players, it is fantastic, for the manager, it is fantastic, but our goal is to reach in our first year together a place in the Champions League."

Asked for his opinion on Wenger's statement regarding the importance of finishing in the top four, the 63-year-old added: "Yes, I think that he is right. I think that Arsene Wenger is saying always the right things.

"I think that for a club the Champions League is the highest level and that's why he is saying that. And to finish in the first four, it's a fantastic result, I think, and for us, Manchester United, more I think."

The Red Devils last lifted the FA Cup back in 2004 when they beat Millwall in the final.