Louis van Gaal believes home advantage will be crucial in Manchester United’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Arsenal next month.
Goals from Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Wayne Rooney helped Manchester United to register a scratchy 3-1 win at Preston North End and book their place in the last eight of the competition.
In the tie of the round, the Red Devils will host Arsenal at Old Trafford in their quarter-final clash and Van Gaal feels home advantage will play a crucial role in the favour of his team next month.
"The most important thing is that we have a draw at home", Van Gaal told reporters, via his club's site.
"In FA Cup matches, I believe that is important, so I am pleased that we get to play against Arsenal at home."
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Even though they have faced lower league opposition so far in the competition, the Dutchman feels all the games have been highly competitive and so he believes his team are well-prepared to take on the challenge of the holders in the next round.
With the home crown behind them, the Manchester United manager has stressed that if they play well, there is no reason why his team cannot beat the Gunners for a semi-final spot in the FA Cup.
"Every game in the FA Cup is difficult to win because every team is giving everything", Van Gaal continued.
"You have also seen it in this round how many better situated teams have lost.
"So what is very important is that we will play at home for the first time."
Manchester United and Arsenal are joint-record holders for the most number of FA Cups, with eleven triumphs each.
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