Louis van Gaal "proud" of derby victory over Manchester City

Black widow Louis van Gaal watches on during the Premier League game between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United on March 6, 2016
© Getty Images
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is "proud" of his side after they beat local rivals Manchester City to breathe new life into their Champions League hopes.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has said that he is "proud" of his side's performance during their 1-0 victory over local rivals Manchester City this afternoon.

The Red Devils closed the gap on their neighbours to just one point courtesy of Marcus Rashford's 16th-minute goal, ending a four-match winless streak to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

Van Gaal refused to elaborate on what was possible for his side now, but admitted that the victory was an "important" one following their midweek Europa League exit.

"We played a very good first half with a goal and also had more chances and we didn't receive a lot of chances against us. In the second half we had to start again, we started well but after that we had to fight until the end because we were tired from playing on Thursday," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"They played on Tuesday so that is two days more rest which is important. I am a very proud manager today. This victory was necessary the gap was four points and now is one point, plus we are equal with West Ham which is important, what is possible? I can not say. We do not have Thursday matches now and that is a positive thing.

"Rashford is very quick and Demichelis looked like the years are catching up with him. He was a very good defender, he was my centre-back in Bayern but that is the life of football."

United's next match sees them host Everton after the international break.

Anthony Martial finds an equaliser during the FA Cup game between Manchester United and West Ham United on March 13, 2016
Read Next:
Martial to stay at United for "many years"
>
Related Video
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leicester CityLeicester31199354312366
2Tottenham HotspurSpurs311710456243261
3Arsenal30167748301855
4Manchester CityMan City30156952322051
5West Ham UnitedWest Ham301311647351250
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd30148838271150
7Southampton31138104132947
8Stoke CityStoke31137113437-346
9Liverpool2912894540544
10Chelsea30101194541441
11West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom30109113037-739
12Everton29911951411038
13Bournemouth31108133850-1238
14Watford30107133032-237
15Swansea CitySwansea3199133140-936
16Crystal Palace3096153240-833
17Norwich CityNorwich3177173254-2228
18Sunderland3068163655-1926
19Newcastle UnitedNewcastle3067172955-2625
20Aston Villa3137212258-3616