Louis van Gaal believes Manchester United's fighting spirit helped secure the victory that has brought it to the brink of qualification for next season's Champions League.

Van Gaal's side was forced to work hard for a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday that moved it seven points clear of fifth-place Liverpool, 24 hours before Brendan Rodgers' side traveled to champion Chelsea.

Backed by a far superior goal difference, van Gaal and his players know they will have effectively achieved their main objective on the season if Liverpool fails to win at Stamford Bridge.