KINGSTON UPON HULL: Louis van Gaal has assured Newcastle that Manchester United won't take it easy on Hull in the final day showdown that will play a major role in deciding the relegation battle.
Manchester United legend Steve Bruce is facing relegation as Hull manager with his third bottom club trailing Newcastle by two points heading into the last day of the Premier League season.
The Tigers need a win combined with a defeat or draw for fourth bottom Newcastle, who host West Ham, 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 the Hammers.
But, with Champions League football long since assured for fourth placed United, it has been suggested the visitors will go easy on a club managed by a favourite of the Old Trafford faithful.
However, United boss van Gaal was quick to issue an assurance that his team will not relax this weekend.
"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 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 insisted 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."
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