article_snippet.sent: Van Gaal, after five consecutive Premier League wins, is equally bullish, declaring: ‘
article_snippet.sent: David Silva thinks United’s absence from the Champions League has helped United’s absence from the Champions League.
article_snippet.sent: It doesn’t surprise me United are doing well, United’s absence from the Champions League have had the advantage of only having the Champions League to play for, just as Liverpool did last season,’ said the Spaniard. 
article_snippet.sent: the Spaniard has been given some comfort by Van Gaal, who dismisses City’s last result, a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace, as a virtual fluke.
article_snippet.sent: Crystal Palace went 2-0 ahead but you could not imagine it was a 2-0 game,’ said the United manager.
article_snippet.sent: ‘Manchester City were unlucky and, of course, confidence is a big thing in football.
article_snippet.sent: United manager Louis van Gaal believes City's defeat at Crystal Palace won't influence Sunday's derby .