Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has said that he is "proud" of his side's performance during their 1-0 victory over local rivals Manchester City this afternoon.

The Red Devils closed the gap on their neighbours to just one point courtesy of Marcus Rashford's 16th-minute goal, ending a four-match winless streak to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

Van Gaal refused to elaborate on what was possible for his side now, but admitted that the victory was an "important" one following their midweek Europa League exit.

"We played a very good first half with a goal and also had more chances and we didn't receive a lot of chances against us. In the second half we had to start again, we started well but after that we had to fight until the end because we were tired from playing on Thursday," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"They played on Tuesday so that is two days more rest which is important. I am a very proud manager today. This victory was necessary the gap was four points and now is one point, plus we are equal with West Ham which is important, what is possible? I can not say. We do not have Thursday matches now and that is a positive thing.

"Rashford is very quick and Demichelis looked like the years are catching up with him. He was a very good defender, he was my centre-back in Bayern but that is the life of football."

United's next match sees them host Everton after the international break.