Manchester United: Louis van Gaal believes pressure is back on Arsenal in their race for the top four spot

Louis van Gaal is convinced that Manchester United are very much in the race for a place in the top four alongside Manchester City and Arsenal, who are currently on third and fourth spot respectively. The Red Devils closed the gap on their rivals with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on 20 April and they are currently just a point behind the Gunners, who face West Bromwich Albion on 21 April and a win will take them four points ahead to third place.

The Dutch manager has warned Arsene Wenger's team ahead of their clash against the Baggies, who are likely to defend with 10-men behind at the ball and play on the counter-attack, just like Crystal Palace, who salvaged a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium on 18 April, despite having just 28% of the possession during the course of the 90 minutes.

The north London club are under pressure having won just two of their last seven league games, which has seen them go from title contenders to top four hopefuls. United, meanwhile, have won four of their last five league games and have momentum on the side going into the final four games of the season. The battle for the last two places on the League table is likely to go down to the final weekend with three teams being separated by just three points.

"Of course we are in the race and we are two points behind City and Arsenal [who are one point ahead of United] have to play tomorrow [Thursday] against West Bromwich Albion. It is not an easy opponent because they will defend, probably, and it is always difficult. You have seen Arsenal against Crystal Palace – it is always difficult," Van Gaal told United's official site following the Red Devils' convincing 2-0 win over Palace.