Manchester United vs. Tottenham: Key Louis van Gaal Comments from Presser

Manchester United play host to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in a clutch encounter that's sure to have a major impact in deciding the top-four chances of both outfits.  

Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal knows full well that sixth-place Spurs can draw level with his side, currently fourth, should the visitors win at Old Trafford this weekend. But the Dutchman is quoted by the club's official Twitter account in maintaining a positive stance regarding United's top-four hopes:

According to MUTV (via United's official website), Van Gaal said that striker Robin van Persie won't be fit to face Tottenham, which could place pressure on Radamel Falcao coming into the squad. Falcao turned out for the club's under-21s in a 1-1 draw against Tottenham's counterparts earlier this week, failing to score.

Per Alex Rea of the Manchester Evening News, Van Gaal was eager to ensure that Falcao's drop to the reserves was in no way embarrassing, enforcing that his response showed great character: "I have read in a lot of papers that it is a humiliation, I don't think so. It's a professional attitude of the management and the club but especially also for the player. Not only has Falcao played but also Valdes and Rafa Da Silva."

Falcao's future at the club and his failure to gain first-team prominence have been a major talking point of late; however, David McDonnell of the Daily Mirror quotes the Red Devils' helmsman as stating no player's place in the first team is assured, irrespective of price tag:

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Every player needs match rhythm. We pay a lot for the players, so it is normal they play football for us, that also includes the second team. I have explained already five months ago that every player who doesn't play in the first-team has to play sometimes.

Falcao didn't play his best game in the second team but he tried to do his utmost best, and I cannot ask more than that from my players.

"

Having lost to Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup earlier this week, Van Gaal's side are hoping to beat a different north London foe this weekend and establish some breathing space in their hunt for Champions League football.

It would be easy for morale to dip in the wake of that disappointment, but the United helmsman was quoted on Friday as saying he's been pleased with the reaction of the players:

With 10 matches remaining in his maiden Premier League campaign, Van Gaal's description of this term's run-in as a "rat race" may be apt given how tightly poised matters are between third and seventh.

Just five points separate those positions as things stand, and in order for United to solidify their spot among the hierarchy, Van Gaal noted that a more clinical touch will be required in front of goal:

Right-back Rafael enjoyed a particularly encouraging performance against Spurs' under-21s, netting a delightfully lobbed finish to raise an argument for his recall to the senior side's starting XI.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News quoted Van Gaal in praising the Brazilian following that display, noting that confidence has been key to rediscovering his best form:

Angel Di Maria's red card against the Gunners ensures he will not be available for the visit of Tottenham, while centre-back Jonny Evans is also out for the crunch encounter, while Marcos Rojo could undergo a late fitness test:

Van Gaal's side go into Sunday's meeting knowing it has the potential to make or break their campaign, but the manager remains as confident as ever in the quality of his squad.