Van Gaal hails Reds as city top dogs

LOUIS van Gaal hailed his United side as the best in Manchester after they put four goals past sorry City in the derby at Old Trafford.

United ended a run of four successive Manchester derby defeats with an impressive 4–2 victory.

Ashley Young cancelled out Sergio Aguero’s opener before United ran riot, with Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Chris Smalling finding the net prior to Aguero’s late second.

The win moved United four points clear of their neighbours, who are now in a scrap for Champions League qualification despite being joint–top of the table on New Year’s Day.

When asked whether he regarded United as the best team in Manchester, Van Gaal said: “We are this moment four points ahead, so that is a fact.”

There was a faint attempt to try to play down expectations.

“Maybe the difference will be one point again next week,” Van Gaal added.

But the main feeling was one of pure joy from the Dutchman after the final whistle, and who can blame him? He has presided over a remarkable turnaround at Old Trafford.

After the 1–0 Premier League defeat at the Etihad Stadium, United were 10th having won three of their opening 10 games.

Now Van Gaal’s team are almost certain to qualify for the Champions League. They are nine points ahead of Southampton with six matches to go, only one point short of second–placed Arsenal.

Van Gaal played down his role in United’s revival before kick–off, claiming his players should take credit for the recent upturn in form.



MANCHESTER City manager Manuel Pellegrini fended off questions about his future after his side’s

defeat.

Pellegrini’s team is four points behind United, five ahead of fifth–placed Southampton with six matches left.

Sources said Pellegrini’s position was not under immediate threat last week following the 2–1 defeat to Crystal Palace, but the inept performance at Old Trafford is hardly likely to improve his long–term job prospects.

Pellegrini dodged questions about his future after the defeat: “I am not talking about my position,” he said. “It is not important.”

He did admit the blame should lie with him though: “I always think it is my responsibility, always.”