Louis van Gaal believes Manchester United will be back in the title race if they beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, citing his side’s recent “sparkling” football as a further reason why his team can challenge.
On Tuesday evening they defeated Stoke City 3-0, which followed last week’s 3-1 win over Derby County in the FA Cup fourth round. Yet despite their previous league outing being the disappointing 1-0 loss to Southampton, and United standing 10 points behind the leaders, Leicester City, Van Gaal is adamant the club could still claim a 21st championship.
“I have the feeling [that we are back in the title race] if we can beat Chelsea,” he said. “That is not simple, though, that is very difficult. They haven’t lost since Guus Hiddink took over but if we beat Chelsea then I think our league is starting again, so that is very important. Michael Carrick said that to me and I had 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, against opponents who were in great form – Stoke City played Liverpool off the pitch in the Capital One Cup but they lost on penalties.”
Van Gaal selected Luke Shaw in United’s Europa League squad as an incentive for the left-back as he continues his recovery from the broken leg he suffered playing against PSV Eindhoven in September.
The Dutchman said Shaw’s goal is to try and be fit for the final, should United reach it, with it being staged on 18 May in Basel. “He can play the final, that is a goal that he has to live for,” said the 64-year-old. “In my opinion it is not impossible. It gives him the spirit [to come back].”
Phil Jones, meanwhile, is close to being available following a foot injury. “There is some light at the end of the tunnel. Jones is coming back. He has trained today [Friday] with the first team so that’s good.
“Marcos Rojo is doing well,” said Van Gaal of the defender who suffered a dislocated shoulder. “It’s not that he can train with us but, still, he is doing well. Shaw is doing well and Antonio Valencia [foot] is doing well so it’s not bad. Schweinsteiger is still out, yes.”
