A huge win against rivals Liverpool at Anfield, in a game week which both Arsenal and Leicester City dropped points, Manchester United may be unlikely dark horses for the title. Now back to fifth position in the Barclays Premier League - only seven points behind the joint leaders - this is surely something that Louis van Gaal wants to build his team's performances upon.
Van Gaal believes United are still in the title race
According to the Guardian, the Dutch manager is confident his team can be crowned as champions come may May. In an interview after the match, he said that United "are seven points behind now" and "have a lot of matches still to go".
The former Netherlands national team manager believes that his team started the year with "very good with a lot of wins" and this game will give "a big boost to the players and the fans and the environment of Manchester United".
Rooney can play a huge role in a possible challenge
It has been a good start to the new year for Wayne Rooney so far, as the striker scored for the fifth time in his last four games. Van Gaal believes that "a striker who scores is always very important" and the England international's recent form is very important for the team as he is "scoring in a row" and the team is "winning [games] in a row".
The manager said that he is "very happy" for Rooney, but "also for Manchester United and for the fans", as everyone "wants to see Rooney scoring".
Tough run ahead
The Red Devils have a tricky run in the upcoming five Premier League matches, as they face Southampton on January 23rd before welcoming Stoke City to Manchester in February. They then travel to Stamford Bridge on February 7th and the Stadium of Light a week later, before hosting Arsenal at Old Trafford to round the month off.
