Tuesday 2 December 2014 09:23, UK
Louis Van Gaal believes it is vital for Manchester United to maintain their positive momentum against Stoke City on Tuesday but knows his team will face a tough test.
Despite a lengthy injury list, United sit fourth in the Premier League table after three consecutive wins against Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Hull City.
Van Gaal wants to see his team push on and consolidate their hold on a Champions League place but accepts the competitiveness of the Premier League means every game is a test.
"Winning, for a top club like Manchester United, is the most important thing in a week, or in a day,” he said.
"Especially when we are in fourth position in the league table you have to win, otherwise others shall overcome you. Of course I had hoped that we would win on Saturday but we have to win also against Stoke City.
There is an atmosphere in the stadiums that is fantastic and the fans are always supporting their club, until the end.
"But in the Premier League nothing is easy. When you see Liverpool struggling against Stoke City, scoring in the 85th minute, that shows.
“You see Arsenal struggling against West Bromwich Albion, they could also have lost. Every game is difficult. That is why the Premier League is exciting, because you never know.
“There is an atmosphere in the stadiums that is fantastic and the fans are always supporting their club, until the end. That is why I want to work in the Premier League, because of the atmosphere."
United will be without forward Angel di Maria after the Argentinian pulled up with a hamstring injury early in the clash against Hull.
The club are still to learn the full extent of that problem but captain Wayne Rooney is expected to be fit after banging his knee on an advertising hoarding late in the game.
Van Gaal confirmed striker Radamel Falcao will continue to be eased back into the first team after coming off the bench to play the latter stages on Saturday following his recovery from a calf injury.
"He was not fit to play 90 minutes, but for 20 minutes okay,” van Gaal said. “I can use him because now he has trained for a full week with the first team. He needs match rhythm."
