LVG out to burst West Ham bubble

LOUIS van Gaal is looking to dampen a second West Ham farewell to Upton Park inside a month when he takes his top-four chasing Manchester United to London tonight.

The crucial fixture will mark the last at the Hammers’ current home ahead of their summer move to the Olympic Stadium on a night where emotions among everyone involved with the club will be sky high.

But Van Gaal’s United side go there knowing victory in their final three games of the season would mean a top-four finish and an FA Cup trophy, with neighbours Manchester City now in their sights.

United won 2-1 in an FA Cup sixth-round replay at Upton Park on April 13, in what was the final game at the ground for the famous competition.

And now Van Gaal, whose saw the Red Devils win 1-0 at Norwich on Saturday lunchtime, is more interested in taking a valuable three points than setting out with the ambition of spoiling another momentous evening for their hosts.

Asked if United can use the emotion of the night against West Ham, the Dutchman replied: “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.”

Marouane Fellaini was one of the best players on the park as he scored in United’s recent cup win at West Ham ­— but the Belgium international is still serving out a three-match ban and will be forced to sit out this time around.

Van Gaal conceded losing the midfielder could have a detrimental effect on his side’s defensive capabilities, especially if they come up against Andy Carroll.

“Yes that is true,” the former Barcelona and Bayern boss replied when asked about Fellaini’s absence, given he marked Carroll at every West Ham set-piece in that game.

“We are normally the smallest team in the Premier League so we always have problems with
set plays.

“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.”