Louis van Gaal believes Manchester United can still force their way into the Premier League title race after playing “sparkling football” in their last two games.
United manager van Gaal has been under pressure for much of the season due to his team’s dour performances and inconsistent results.
But the Dutchman believes a victory at Chelsea on Sunday would underline why he is so confident and set United up for a late challenge to the top four clubs.
United are still five points behind fourth-placed Arsenal and 10 adrift of league leaders Leicester, who play second-placed Manchester City on Saturday.
However, Van Gaal’s side have lost only one of their last eight games in all competitions and, after beating Derby 3-1 in the FA Cup, produced one of their best performances of the season to defeat Stoke 3-0 in the league at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
“We don’t have to exaggerate but I have the feeling if we shall beat Chelsea, although that is very difficult because under Guus Hiddink they don’t lose, then I think our league is starting again,” Van Gaal told reporters on Friday.
“Michael Carrick said to me and I have the same feeling, the competition is not yet finished, not for Manchester United or the other teams.
“We have the feeling, and that’s because we are winning twice in a row with sparkling football, with goals, clean sheets and against opponents who were in great form after Stoke City played Liverpool off the pitch in the League Cup but then lost on penalties.
“I have said always that only Crystal Palace and Arsenal this season were better than Manchester United this season.
“I have said that so there is nothing different in my feeling. But we have to show in a run of games that you win, because in this competition everything is possible.”
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