The season of giving is upon us, and Louis van Gaal is intent on delivering a huge present to Manchester United’s fans this season.
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Van Gaal’s side currently sit in third place on 32 points, nine points behind leaders Chelsea heading into the busy festive period, but the Dutchman still believes his team can exceed the expectations from United’s directors who targeted a top four finish at the start of the season.
“Our goal is still to be the champion at the end of the season. It is always to be first,” van Gaal said. “With my players and all the staff, we are trying to achieve more than they expect.”
Currently on a seven-game unbeaten streak, which includes six-straight wins, United are heading into a string of winnable matches which could catapult the Red Devils into the title race alongside Chelsea and Manchester City.
A home match against Newcastle United on Boxing Day then trips to Tottenham and Stoke City may be crucial in either enhancing or ending van Gaal’s title hopes as 2014 closes at Old Trafford. One thing is for sure: United are slowly but surely back among England’s elite.