Europa League Exit; A Blessing In Disguise- Manchester United Coach

Manchester United, Louis van Gaal, has described Marcus Rashford's goal against Manchester City as reward for their superb first half performance.

Rashford's 16 minute strike at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday gave the Red side of Manchester all three points

in the league as the Manuel Pellegrini's men are just one points above United, with both having one match each at hand.

Van Gaal, who's just coming from the Europa League defeat in the hands of Liverpool said he felt on top of the world with Sunday's game, silencing his critics about his philosophy.

"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," he told Sky Sports.

"In the second-half we had to start again, we started well but after that we had to fight till the end because we were tired from playing on Thursday. 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 cannot say."

"We do not have Thursday matches now and that is a positive thing."

With just eight games remaining, the two Manchester sides look set to battle fiercely for the last Champions League place along with West Ham.