Louis van Gaal has assured Newcastle that Manchester United will not take it easy on Hull City in the final day showdown that will play a major role in deciding the relegation battle.
United legend Steve Bruce is facing relegation as Hull manager with his third bottom club trailing Newcastle United by two points heading into the last day of the Premier League season.
Hull need a win combined with a defeat or draw for fourth bottom Newcastle, who host West Ham United, to beat the drop.
A Hull victory at the KC Stadium on Sunday could still result in Bruce’s team being demoted should Newcastle beat West Ham.
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United have already secured Uefa Champions League football, but United manager Van Gaal said his team would not relax in this match.
“Scoring goals and winning is always our aim, that’s no different,” Van Gaal said. “I have told my players that despite the fact that their (Hull’s) manager is a United ‘child’ that we have to win.
“Why? Because also for the Premier League and Newcastle United. We have won six points from Newcastle United and we have to win also from Hull City six points, if it’s possible.
“Our away record is not so good. It’s very difficult to win away, but we shall try to do our utmost.”
To that end, Van Gaal has also said he will field his strongest possible line-up at Hull.
That means Spain goalkeeper David de Gea, linked increasingly with a move to Real Madrid, will make what could be his last appearance for the club if he recovers from a hamstring injury.
“I believe still that David de Gea will stay and I want to play him against Hull City because I have to put my strongest team,” Van Gaal said. “David trained for the first time today (Friday) but I cannot say if he is able to play. We will have to wait.”
Bruce said he believes Hull still have an “almighty chance” of escaping relegation.
“I’ve said all along that 34 (points) wouldn’t be enough but if we get to 37, with our goal difference, we’ve got an outstanding chance. We just have to make sure we do our job on the day.
“Newcastle will have a big, baying crowd that will be anxious and if we were able to get ahead, that would make a difference.”
Newcastle manager John Carver is expecting an “electric” atmosphere against West Ham.
Newcastle’s dreadful run of one draw and nine defeats in their past 10 games has prompted a concerted backlash from fans, some of whom have boycotted home games in protest at the way the club is being run by owner Mike Ashley, with a protest planned after the game.
Carver said: “I’m expecting this to be electric. Our fans don’t want us to be in the Championship next season. I know for a fact for 90 minutes, it will be electric. I guarantee they’ll be behind the team.”
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