Our performance against Tottenham was very pleasing, says Louis van Gaal

Michael Carrick was instrumental in Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Tottenham

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has said that the Red Devils have brought bitter rivals Manchester City back into the fight for contention for a spot in the Champions League next season.

United recorded a 3-0 home win over Tottenham Hotspur at home on Sunday, thanks to first-half goals from Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick and captain Wayne Rooney.

“Of course because Arsenal is one point behind [City] and we are two points behind.It is good for us and the fans and the media,” the 63-year-old said in a press conference.

"It is a rat race and we are now two points from the second position but the first position is eight points [ahead] and still a game [in hand] so in my opinion that is too far away. We have to go step by step and the next game is Liverpool,” he added.

We played with fantastic team spirit: Van Gaal

The Dutchman expressed happiness at the win on Sunday, saying that it was a team performance, following the 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final loss to Arsenal on Monday night. The former Netherlands manager also reserved special praise for Michael Carrick’s performance against Spurs.

“We played like a team. We can be very pleased with the performance, the result and our reaction to the defeat against Arsenal. When you get a blow like that from Arsenal you need a fantastic team spirit and individual spirit, and I saw that.”

"When you score goals, your confidence rises and you can pass more quickly, but Tottenham wanted to play also and you always need two teams who want to play and you have more space to play football. We have waited a long time for such a victory so maybe because the performance was very good against a very good team so I am very pleased," he said.

“Michael Carrick is not my second captain for nothing. He is one of the best passers also, not only wide but also forward. We need midfielders who have that passing. When you can also score the second goal you have a big influence on the game,” he added.