Alan Pardew says he admirers Louis van Gaal for dealing with the pressure he is under at Manchester United.

Van Gaal has guided the Red Devils to the FA Cup final but there remains intense speculation over his future at Old Trafford.

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has been heavily linked with the club with reports suggesting he will take over in the summer.

Pardew says he hopes van Gaal’s side turn up on Saturday – but are ultimately beaten by Crystal Palace.

He said: “All managers are under massive pressure whatever football club you’re at.

“I’ve had it at Newcastle and West Ham and here a little – not so much though.

“Louis is feeling that pressure but he is a big enough and strong enough character to deal with it.

“I admire his resilience and I hope his team turn up and play well for him. But, of course, I hope we win though!”

The Eagles are the clear outsiders to lift the Cup and Pardew insists there is always extra responsibility on United sides to perform.

He added: “I think the pressure is on them all the time because it’s Manchester United. It’s a historical club with historical colours and historical names.

“It’s a different history for them to take into the game.

“For our group of players this is an opportunity to put something permanent there – a first major trophy for Crystal Palace.

“We’ve got areas on the pitch where I think we are slightly superior and we have to make that count.”

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