Louis van Gaal saw his side secure a 1-0 win against Watford

Louis van Gaal insists Manchester United must take things "step by step" as they edge towards the Premier League top four.

Juan Mata's late strike against Watford earned the Old Trafford club a 1-0 win to secure a fourth successive win in all competitions.

The strike was as classy as it was important to move injury-hit United level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand as well as a superior goal difference.

As Van Gaal's men continue to wade through a testing, fixture-heavy period the Dutchman is staying grounded and is now looking forward to a trip to West Brom, live on Super Sunday.

"We have to go step by step, I think," Van Gaal said when asked about his side's top-four hopes.

"Of course we have now four victories in a row, it is fantastic, but we have a very small selection at the moment.

"We have the same problems as three weeks ago. Players are coming back but still I have to solve a problem every week in my line-up, so when players are coming back, they are not fit enough.

Van Gaal was left very happy on a night when three rivals lost Van Gaal was left very happy on a night when three rivals lost

"You see how [Marcos] Rojo is struggling. I gave [him time in recent games] and I have to do that in matches in the Premier League. It is better to do in the second team but I am forced to do that.

"I think we are doing great the last four matches but still we have to go step by step."

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