Louis van Gaal: I can't guarantee Man Utd will return to Champions League

Posted Sunday, December 07, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk

LOUIS VAN GAAL has lifted Manchester United into a Champions League place - but refuses to guarantee that they will stay there.

United went into this weekend's programme in fourth position in the Premier League and staying there - at least - is the minimum requirement of the big Dutchman.

His side have won their last four matches and the feelgood factor is starting to return to Old Trafford.

United will be firmly established in the Champions League shake-up if they defeat Southampton - surprise contenders for one of those European spots - tomorrow night.

But Van Gaal goes into the crunch clash at St Mary's insisting: "No, I don't now expect to qualify for the Champions League because it is at the end of the season that counts.

"Now doesn't count. We are going the right way, despite the injuries we've had.

"And I think the important thing is that the players want to follow the philosophy, which is why - despite the many changes - we could continue to go the right way."

United, through failing to qualify for Europe after finishing only seventh last season under David Moyes, now have only the league and the FA Cup on which to concentrate.

But Van Gaal said: "I knew in advance that we would have most midweeks off through not being in the Champions League.

"But this was the challenge for me and why I am here. I had choices - I could have chosen four other clubs.

Louis van Gaal: I can't guarantee Man Utd will return to Champions League
ON TARGET: Louis van Gaal has Manchester United in a Champions League spot

"I knew, though, that this is a big challenge. Of course it is. It is not so easy, but I accept that."

Much is made in Holland of Van Gaal not getting on with fellow Dutchman Ronald Koeman - his managerial opponent tomorrow at St Mary's.

But Van Gaal said: "It's private but to shake his hand is not any problem.

"He is a very good coach - I know that he can do it. Southampton have a very good squad and a lot of players I know - and players who were offered to us."

One of the players the United boss knows is Italian striker Graziano Pelle, who used to play for Van Gaal in Holland at AZ Alkmaar. LVG said of the Saints marksman: "I am not surprised he has done well because I bought him as an attacking point.

"Like Robin Van Persie, he is not only a striker who scores goals he assists too.

"I bought him after seeing him play in the European Under-21s Championships in the Netherlands.

"When Koeman took him to Feyenoord he exploded. It is fantastic for him."

Skipper Wayne Rooney returns to the United side at Southampton after recovering from the knee injury which kept him out of the midweek win against Stoke.

But record signing Angel di Maria is still out after suffering a hamstring injury in another victory - against Hull last weekend.

Jonny Evans, meanwhile, is available for a St Mary's return.

The Northern Ireland central defender has been absent for two months due to an ankle injury.

But he suffered no reaction when playing for the full 90 minutes last week against the Saints Under-21s side.

Evans has also been involved in two behind-closed-doors practice matches.