Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has challenged his team to win their remaining league games as they try to finish in the top four.

The Red Devils, 3.50 to finish in the top four, increased their chances of qualifying for the Champions League after securing a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

An own goal from Damien Delaney and a fine strike from Matteo Darwin ensured United got all three points just days after they beat Aston Villa 1-0.

Van Gaal’s side are now just one point behind Arsenal who sit in fourth, but the Gunners do have a game in hand against West Brom on Thursday night.

United take on Leicester, Norwich, West Ham and Bournemouth in their remaining league games and Van Gaal insists they need to maintain their winning record to have any chance of playing in the Champions League next year.

Speaking after his side’s win, the Dutchman said: “We are putting pressure on them throughout the season. At the end of the season it counts much more.

“I’m very happy. We have four matches to go and we must win them all. Then we have a chance.”

Wednesday’s win saw United enjoy 66% of possession as they attacked the Palace defence and Van Gaal was delighted with his team’s threat going forward.

“I want to always play attacking football,” he added. “In this season we have attacked in every game but maybe in a slow tempo sometimes.

“Our opponents have received playing a compact defence – it’s not so simple to disorganise our opponents, but today we did it.”