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Louis van Gaal: “Manchester United can challenge for title”

Britain Soccer Premier League

Manchester Unite manager Louis van Gaal looks across the pitch before the English Premier League soccer match between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, England, Sunday Sept. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)

AP

Louis van Gaal is thinking big. Real big.

Following Manchester United’s dramatic 3-2 win against Southampton on Sunday, the Red Devils sit second in the Premier League and are just two points behind league leaders, and their neighbors, Manchester City.

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Van Gaal led United to a fourth-place finish in his first season in the PL last season, taking United back to the UEFA Champions League after a year out of Europe and despite an up and down start to the season, the Dutch manager is hopeful his side can continue to improve throughout the campaign and deliver a first PL title since 2013 to the Old Trafford faithful.

“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.”

Strong words from LVG.

With David de Gea back in goal after signing a new long-term contract after his Deadline Day move to Real Madrid collapsed, teenage sensation Anthony Martial scoring three goals in his first 110 minutes of PL action and the likes of Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian and Bastian Schweinsteiger settling in well, United are clicking through the gears as they begin to gain momentum. Add into that Wayne Rooney’s current lackluster form which will only improve as the season goes on, and LVG has things ticking over rather nicely.

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With four wins from their opening six games of the campaign, tougher games are on the horizon with a home game against Sunderland followed by tough trips Arsenal and Everton, plus a home game against local rivals and title contenders Man City making up their next four fixtures.

It may still be early days in the current PL season but one thing is for sure: United have title dreams at the forefront of their minds.

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