Champions League qualification is more important than FA cup win- Van Gaal

Manchester United can reach a Wembley final with victory against Everton on Saturday, but the club's Dutch boss prioritises European football as their number one aim

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal feels winning the FA Cup would represent a successful season, but said Champions League qualification is more important.

Van Gaal's men take on Everton in a cup semi-final on Saturday but are fifth in the Premier League, two points adrift of rivals Manchester City in the race for Champions League football.

The Dutchman, however, said a trophy represents a successful campaign, although he knows the importance of a top-four finish.

"I think it is always a success when you win the title," Van Gaal said.

"For the club it is more important, I have said that already a lot of times, to qualify for the Champions League, because we have to show ourselves at the highest level. And that was also our aim.

"I think always when you win a title it brings again something where Manchester United stands for.

"We have had a period of winning many titles and we want to bring it back. When you win the FA Cup you have a title and a very respectable title in England - more than other countries."

Van Gaal's men are favourites to reach the FA Cup decider, taking on a struggling Everton side with manager Roberto Martinez under growing pressure.

Coming off a 4-0 Merseyside derby loss to Liverpool, Martinez's side are sure to be hurting, which leaves Van Gaal wary of the opposition.

"When I see the people on the streets, they are so excited. You can feel already for the fans that it is fantastic," he said.

"But we are only in the semi-final and not the final and I want to speak about Everton because it is not a piece of cake.

"We have to beat Everton and in spite of them losing 4-0, we have showed already this season that we have lost against Arsenal and the next match we have won.

"So Everton can do that also after Liverpool. And when you are winning, you can also lose. In spite of them having a lot of injuries, they still have the chance to beat us."