Louis van Gaal Talks Anthony Martial, More After Manchester United Beat Norwich

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal insisted he didn't want to risk Anthony Martial during their vital 1-0 win over Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday.

The Dutchman also revealed he'll be an Arsenal fan for the day when the Gunners take on fourth-placed Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. 

Speaking after claiming three vital points that leave United just one shy of City and qualification for a UEFA Champions League play-off spot, Van Gaal revealed he played it safe when Martial suffered a problem during the warm-up, per BBC Sport's Simon Stone:

Van Gaal had already decided to leave out striker Marcus Rashford altogether, per BT Sport, with a game at West Ham United on Tuesday. It was a decision made to look reckless after Martial had to be removed.

But Juan Mata's second-half goal bailed Van Gaal out. The Dutchman expressed his delight at seeing his safety-first approach earn a win that kept United in the hunt for fourth, per the club:

Winning was no doubt made all the sweeter after Martial's woes and full-back Matteo Darmian's first-half withdrawal. They also inspired Van Gaal's defence of what was a fairly tepid performance from his side.

Rather than focus on the negatives, United's beleaguered gaffer chose to endorse the strength his squad has shown in dealing with changes, according to Squawka News:

While the performance may not have inspired many, Van Gaal is right to laud his team's ability to grind out a result in a high-pressure fixture against a team fighting for survival.

United weren't free-flowing, but they didn't need to be. Instead, the Reds just needed to stay in the thick of the top-four race, a chance they've given themselves ahead of Sunday's meeting between third and fourth.

Van Gaal told BT Sport exactly where his allegiances will lie during events at the Etihad. He also suggested City will struggle to bounce back from the disappointment of exiting the Champions League at the semi-final stage at the hands of Real Madrid on Wednesday:

United need a favour from the Gunners against their neighbours. An Arsenal win would leave the Red Devils a point behind the Citizens but with a game in hand.