• FA Cup

Van Gaal wants to deal Arsenal 'big blow'

Louis van Gaal believes he can boost Manchester United's chances of silverware and crush Arsenal's morale in one fell swoop on Monday night.

Van Gaal hopes that victory over Arsenal in the FA Cup would not only see his United side through to a semi-final at Wembley, but also deal their Premier League rivals a psychological blow in the race for a top-four spot.

Arsenal travel to Old Trafford as title holders, with just one point separating the two sides in the Premier League, but van Gaal has raised the stakes beyond the FA Cup.

"Arsenal and United are now in third and fourth place, so it is a big event with two good teams," Van Gaal said. "I hope we can give a fantastic match for the fans.

"I think if we beat them it is a big blow for them, but if they beat us it is a big blow for us. It is very important game, not only for the FA Cup but also for the [Premier League] rat race."

Under Wenger, Arsenal have a dubious record when it comes to falling apart in the league after an FA Cup tie against United.

In 2008, they travelled to Old Trafford for a fifth round FA Cup clash with a five-point lead in the league over Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester juggernaut. A near-full strength United side tore into an Arsenal team including unproven youngsters such as Justin Hoyte, Armand Traore and Nicklas Bendtner.

Wayne Rooney and Nani led the way in a 4-0 victory, Arsenal's starlets never recovered, and Eduardo's horrific broken leg a week later shattered any remaining confidence they had left. Arsenal finished four points behind champions United three months later.

Van Gaal also paid tribute to the longevity of Wenger, who has been in charge of Arsenal since 1996.

He said: "In my opinion, what he has done is amazing. It can only be in England, I believe, where managers are so long committed with one club.

"It shows how much he can mean for a club as a manager. I like that - like Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger - I think it's fantastic that you can do that."

Louis van Gaal's Manchester United side have won four of their last five games © Getty Images

Enlarge

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd