Van Gaal: United Can Win The Title

Van Gaal: United Can Win The Title

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has insisted that his side can challenge for the title, despite earlier writing off his team. The Reds overcame Southampton 3-2 last weekend, something Van Gaal believes is an indication that they can challenge for the Premier League title.

The Dutchman’s side won 3-2 at St Mary’s, with 19-year-old striker Anthony Martial scoring twice and Juan Mata finishing off a brilliant piece of Van Gaal-esque football – with 44 passes being made until the ball was smashed home by the Spaniard.

The victory moves United up to second in the table, two points behind rivals Manchester City, who lost 2-1 at home to West Ham on Saturday.


Now, the Dutchman is feeling slightly more confident in his sides ability:

“We have made a statement that we shall compete for the title,” Van Gaal said.

“You cannot expect a title from a team in transition. But when we are close we shall grab it.”

Van Gaal also praised Martial’s impact, who has now scored three goals with his first three shots on target since signing from Monaco on deadline day for £36m.

“He is doing great – three matches in a row and three goals,” Van Gaal said.

“When you are 19, you cannot expect consistency. Emotionally they shall have a lot of dips so that I expect also from him but that is not a big problem for me.”

“He adapts to the system of how we want to play, that is also important. Not every player can but he shows he wants to do that.”

“He scores goals. That is the most important thing, that as a striker he scores goals. He can improve I think but he has a high level of talent.”

[Quotes via BBC Sport]