Manchester United Manager Van Gaal Still Hopeful Of Title

September 13, 2014

Louis van Gaal remains convinced that Manchester United can land the title this season, despite their disappointing start to the campaign.

United have yet to win a competitive game this term and have taken just two points from their first three Premier League outings.

Early leaders Chelsea are already seven points ahead of a side struggling to forge a fresh identity after a seventh-placed finish under David Moyes last season.

Incoming Dutchman van Gaal had set United an initial target of returning to the Champions League with a top-four finish but, speaking ahead of Sunday's home clash with QPR, he insisted he could still mould his new-look side into winners.

"Yes, it's always possible because we still have to play a lot of matches," van Gaal, when asked if his side could still win the league, said at his pre-match press conference.

"We are not that far behind."

Van Gaal will hope a string of big-money arrivals can inspire a swift upturn, with Radamel Falcao, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo all in line for debuts at Old Trafford on Sunday.

"You always want to buy the best players for the positions you need and we have done very well in the transfer market, in spite of not playing in the Champions League," van Gaal, who also has British record signing Angel di Maria in his ranks, added.

"Players are coming to Manchester United and now we have to produce results and start our season."

Rojo could start alongside Luke Shaw in defence after Phil Jones was ruled out for a month and, with nine first-team players out injured, van Gaal has admitted to a review of the club's regimen.

"Yes, this is a big concern, I think," he said.

"Now, we have a lot of injuries so I’m evaluating why; I've changed my preparation scheme because of that, for example, and I’ve also changed what we have to do after the match. I have changed the schedule of times.

"I have always said I am not only evaluating the players but I am also evaluating myself and my staff."
(Sky Sports)