Louis van Gaal Says Manchester United Stole Win vs. Everton, Talks Top 4 Hopes

Louis van Gaal believes Manchester United's 1-0 win in the Premier League over Everton on Sunday was "stolen," and he still has his eyes set on a top-four finish, hoping to overtake Arsenal for third.

United struggled dealing with the Toffees on Sunday and finished the match with only two shots on target, but Anthony Martial converted one of those, and that was good enough for the win.

Per BBC Sport, Van Gaal thought the win was crucial, and he admitted his team got lucky:

"

We didn't play so well. We didn't create many chances.

Everton are a very good team, much stronger away than at home, and it was a very tight game. We were the lucky team today.

We want to give entertainment for the fans, but the fans were entertained today because of the tension.

If we lose today, the victory against Manchester City is worthless.

"

Per WhoScored.com, the win marked United's fourth in their last five Premier League outings, with all of those victories coming by one goal.

Questions surrounding the team's playing style will remain, but Van Gaal is more interested in winning matches and finishing inside the top three, per Dominic King of the Daily Mail:

"

I said in the dressing room after the match that it was very important to win otherwise the victory against Manchester City was worthless. We keep in touch with City, one point behind. We keep in touch with Arsenal, five points behind.

We have to play Tottenham, not an easy match but normally we are playing very well against the top teams. If we continue like that I am very happy. This was not the best form because I think we were not fresh enough and we had more or less three days preparation.

"

West Ham United dropped points in Week 32, drawing 2-2 with Crystal Palace, and as a result, United now sit in fifth place in the standings. While the gap with Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur is substantial, Arsenal sit just five points ahead of the Red Devils.

United continue to win ugly, and at this stage of the season, that can often be the difference between hitting your targets and falling short.

Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News disagreed with Van Gaal's assessment, however―he thought the hosts deserved the win on Sunday:

Van Gaal and his troops will travel to London to take on Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday in what could prove a decisive match for both sides. Spurs could only manage a draw against Liverpool on Saturday and now chase Leicester City by seven points in the race for the title―a loss against United could have disastrous consequences.

Arsenal will face a difficult trip to West Ham, and Manchester City will host West Bromwich Albion—two difficult opponents who are more than capable of stealing points in Week 33. A United win at White Hart Lane could go a long way toward securing an unlikely third-placed finish.

ESPN FC's Michael Caley took a look at his top-four projections, and the five-point gap means Arsenal are virtually a lock to make it:

"

Premier League top four projection. Bad day for Liverpool and West Ham means Arsenal and Spurs have this locked. pic.twitter.com/JJGVDSpVk7

— Michael Caley (@MC_of_A) April 2, 2016"

Securing a top-four spot and a ticket for the UEFA Champions League should be United's immediate objective, and with Kevin De Bruyne returning for Manchester City, that may be easier said than done.

The Citizens have tumbled down the standings during his absence, but De Bruyne celebrated his return to the pitch with a goal in the 4-0 over Bournemouth, a match in which City looked like the team of old.

The race for the Champions League remains as tight as ever entering the final weeks of the season, with so many teams still battling for their spot.  

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