Manchester United vs Aston Villa - live stream
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has said that the international break came at a bad time for his in-form side but insisted that the Premier League title still isn’t beyond their reach.
The Dutchman spoke at a press conference ahead of his side’s clash with the rejuvenated Aston Villa on Saturday, and they’ll be looking to continue their scintillating recent form against them.
A convincing 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur was followed up by a confidence-boosting 2-1 triumph away at rivals Liverpool, with an unlikely star at the heart of it all.
Marouane Fellaini has come under immense criticism since his arrival at Old Trafford and has been the butt of a fair few jokes, too, but his recent form suggests he’s living up to his £27 million price tag. And it clearly hasn’t gone unnoticed in Van Gaal’s eyes, either, as Manchester Evening News revealed:
Villa are playing much better football under the guidance of Sherwood, but taking points away from Old Trafford is unlikely to say the least.
Wayne Rooney, then, will keep his place up front, fresh from two strong performances for England, while Radamel Falcao watches on.
Chris Smalling’s potential absence means that Marcos Rojo could partner Phil Jones in the heart of defence on Saturday, having recovered from his latest knock.
With eight games remaining, the Red Devils have the Champions League qualification ball in their court, and should the performances continue, it’ll stay there.
Van Gaal left the press conference with an air of confidence about him, and it’s safe to say for the first time in his tenure that he has every right to feel as much.