Louis van Gaal has explained Manchester United’s immediate focus will be on Wednesday evening’s Champions League clash against CSKA Moscow and not on the weekend’s derby clash against their local-rivals Manchester City.
The Red Devils have lost the opening group stage European fixture at the hands of PSV Eindhoven. They bounced back with a 2-1 victory over Wolfsburg in the second match at Old Trafford.
With just one win, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager has taken his men to Moscow to face CSKA in the crucial Champions League fixture this midweek. United host City in the Premier League clash on Sunday and despite having one of the biggest matches of the season, Van Gaal insists his focus is on the next match.
“For me, as a manager, the next match is the most important match. I don’t think about Manchester City [on Sunday]. I only think about CSKA Moscow and I have to focus on this match. I have to give also a good example to my players. I demand that also from my players,” Van Gaal explained.
“The most important match now is CSKA Moscow. We have already lost one game against PSV Eindhoven away and we want to gain one point at least. That is why it is a very important match for us.”
“I have said before the game against PSV, also an away match, that one point is good. Three points is better but one point is good.”
Team News for CSKA Moscow clash
United will be without the services of four players for CSKA clash. Luke Shaw remains a long-term absentee after breaking his leg against PSV. The former Southampton man is joined by compatriot Ashley Young and defender Paddy McNair, along with James Wilson who will miss the tie due to illness.
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