Tuesday 10 May 2016 13:38, UK
Louis van Gaal wants West Ham to enjoy their Boleyn Ground farewell on Tuesday but remains ruthless in his desire for a vital Manchester United victory.
The Hammers host Man United, live on Sky Sports, in their final home game before making the move to the Olympic Stadium next season and emotions are bound to be high among the Boleyn faithful.
But the game is just as important for Van Gaal's side, who know they can move ahead of rivals Manchester City into fourth place with victory in the East End of London.
That would leave them needing only to beat Bournemouth on the final day of the Premier League season to ensure Champions League football for themselves and a place in the Europa League for City.
Man United have already spoiled one big Boleyn Ground night for West Ham when they knocked them out of the FA Cup in a sixth-round replay last month.
Asked if United can use the emotion of the night against West Ham, Van Gaal said: "Yes it is a big night. I think the players shall feel that also.
"Tuesday we have to play against an opponent who says goodbye to the stadium. So they won't want to lose in their own stadium.
"They have already lost to Man United in the FA Cup match. That is also history. That is not good for us. And West Ham United is a very good team.
"We have a lot of respect for West Ham. I think it is a historical big club in England and so we don't want to spoil their party but we need the three points and that is different."
Manchester United will be without Marouane Fellaini, one of the stars of their FA Cup win, and Van Gaal concedes the loss of the Belgium international will make life tougher, especially at set-pieces.
"We are normally the smallest team in the Premier League so we always have problems with set plays," he added.
"We have to cope with that and you are right, I can not deny that. It is the first time we are talking about our opponent and not about my sacking! Thank you, thank you for that.
"Yes. I am very worried about that. I am always organising. We always have a meeting about that - every game - and it also takes a long time to organise it well."
Van Gaal was keeping his cards close to his chest on team selection, having omitted Daley Blind and Marcus Rashford for the 1-0 win over Norwich, and he then lost another striker - Anthony Martial - in the warm-up at Carrow Road.
He said: "That always depends on the data of my fatigue specialist. I have to decide then on the data of my fatigue specialist who I am taking with me. It is always like that. It can happen that I leave players at home as they are too tired."
As for Martial's fitness he added: "We have to wait if his muscle is still tight as I don't take any risks as he is a very important player. We don't want a rupture. That is very important for us."
