Van Gaal Is Wary Of Liverpool In Top Four Race

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal admits his team's 3-0 defeat at Everton has provided a timely boost to the Toffees' neighbours Liverpool.

Brendan Rodgers' men drew 0-0 at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday to slip seven points behind the Reds in the race for a UEFA Champions League spot.

However, Sunday's defeat at Goodison Park means Liverpool can now close the gap to just four points when they face Steve Bruce's Hull City in midweek, before welcoming relegation-haunted QPR to Anfield next weekend. The Merseysiders will then finish the campaign with fixtures against Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Stoke City.

United entertain West Brom on Saturday ahead of clashes with Palace, Arsenal and Hull City. Although the Reds are only two points adrift of third-placed Manchester City, it is a top-four position that is vital and Sunday's result has breathed life back into what van Gaal describes as a "rat race", particularly with Tottenham and Southampton still involved.

Speaking after the defeat at Everton, van Gaal was asked about Liverpool potentially moving to within a point of United and if he is worried about that situation.

"Yes, I know that and I have said that," the boss told reporters. "You give the light to your opponents, I said that in that way and you are right about it."