Manchester United made it seven wins out of eight with a convincing 3-1 triumph over Newcastle at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
Wayne Rooney made it 11 goals in his last 10 matches at Old Trafford with a well taken double, whilst Robin van Persie rounded off a dominant performance with a second half header.
The result leaves United 10 points behind league leaders Chelsea, but Louis van Gaal is not ruling out the possibility of a Premier League title triumph in 2015, with his side clearly brimming with confidence.
Whilst the gap may prove too big, we are feeling positive here in the Football Transfer Tavern – and have therefore identified five reasons why Manchester United still CAN win the Premier League title this season.
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Click on Louis van Gaal to reveal 5 reasons why Manchester United CAN win the title this season.
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The 3-5-2 system is working for everyone
Call it tactical genius, or good fortune – the 3-5-2 system seems to be coming together for United at last. Perhaps the reason for this is the performances of Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia as wing backs, with the former Villa man looking a new player all together present.
The system has also allowed Wayne Rooney to play in a deeper role, whilst also bringing the best out of Juan Mata in a preferred central position.
Other Premier League sides simply cannot work it out it seems at present, especially coping with the pace United have at their disposal on counter attacks. A look at recent goals in the home wins over Liverpool and Newcastle offer perfect examples of how well the system has been working.
van Gaal has been there and done it
In Louis van Gaal Manchester United have a manager who has been there, done it and got the T-Shirt. The Dutch coach has managed some of the biggest clubs in Europe, as well as the Dutch side at international level. He has won league titles with Bayern Munich, Barcelona and in his native Holland on several occasions.
He has the character, charisma, tactical knowledge and aura to guide United to their 21st Premier League title at some point certaintly – so why not this season?
They have the best goalkeeper in the division
David De Gea has proven time and again he is capable of winning matches for United from his position between the sticks. His recent performance in the 3-0 win over Liverpool was an example of a goalkeeper earning points for his side, whilst he has done the same this season against Everton and Southampton.
If De Gea has already won United a minimum of 10 points with his displays this season, you wonder how many points he can earn in comparison with his title rivals by the end of the season.
For United now, it is all about hanginig onto him this winter – with Real Madrid reportedly interested in the 23 year old.
Falcao is starting to find his feet
There have been signs over the last couple of matches that Radamel Falcao is starting to come good for United. He levelled the match with a superb header against Aston Villa before Christmas, and played a part in both of Wayne Rooney’s goals in the Boxing Day win over Newcastle.
First he produced a clever assist, and then showed his desire and workrate to win the ball back in a dangerous area for the second. If Falcao can keep himself fit and get a run of games together over the new year, he could prove a major asset in the second half of the season – especially if Rooney and Robin van Persie continue scoring at the rate they currently are.
They look to strengthen even further in January
Despite having spent more than £200million in 18 months, United are set to spend yet more big money in the January transfer window.
A centre back and a defensive midfielder are the top targets, with Borussia Dortmund captain Mats Hummels, and Atletico Madrid title winners Diego Godin and Miranda some of the players linked.
Kevin Strootman – Roma’s classy holding midfielder – is the top target according to reports however, and some have gone as far to suggest a deal has already been agreed for a player van Gaal knows well from his time in charge of the Netherlands.
The prospect of United adding further big money signings to what is already looking an awesome squad, is an intimidating prospect for their Premier League rivals heading into the second half of the season.
