Five Reasons Why Man United Can Win the League

However unlikely it seems now, and even more so a couple of months ago, Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United do still stand a chance of League glory.

Louis Van Van Gaal Factor

Simply put, Manchester United have one of the best managers in the game. A proven winner across the length and breadth of European football, Van Gaal is as tactically and technically brilliant as they come. Generally after a sticky opening patch whereby players tend to struggle to grasp his intricate methodology, the pieces start to come together in and around the 3-4 month mark. Once again, this looks like coming to fruition at Old Trafford. Four wins on the bounce have catapulted United back into the mix with Van Gaal finally looking a lot more at ease with his surroundings.

Defenders

The area that was supposed to scupper any sort of Manchester United title challenge was their shaky defence. Injuries have bitten hard in this area for Van Gaal, who has been forced to rotate his backline more than Claudio Ranieri off his face on Sherbert Fountains. Despite initially struggling, the defence has finally settled into their stride with United maintaining the 6th best defence in the league, overall. With January approaching fast approaching, it gives Van Gaal another chance at landing one or two world class acquisitions in central defence which would significantly reinforce an already improving area.

Injury Crisis Easing

Mentioned above, injuries have hit peak crisis at Old Trafford this season. At any given time during the campaign to date, United have had the guts of 8-10 players on the treatment table. Finally, these troubles seem to be coming to an end. According to Physioroom, United will have a fully fit squad by the last week of December. With one or two more possible recruits in January, Van Gaal will have an even more formidable squad at his disposal for the new year.

Players Rejuvenated

Much has been spoken of the effect new signings like Angel Di Maria, Falcao and Ander Herrera have had, not just on the pitch, but on the overall atmosphere at the club. And yet it is actually the players who had been struggling previous that have been the recent driving factor behind United’s ascent up the table. Wayne Rooney looks a player reborn under Van Gaal’s stewardship. Whether played up front or in the hole behind the main striker, he has flourished. Marouane Fellaini has also been rejuvenated this season and finally looks the player United believed they were getting when signed from Everton. His physicality in midfield has added that steel the side was badly lacking in the middle of the park, chipping in with some important goals. Michael Carrick’s return to the squad after injury has added a vital controlling presence in central areas, too.

Chelsea To Choke

There is little doubt that Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea look the best side in the league this season. They remain unbeaten after 14 rounds but with games coming thick and fast around the Christmas period and the Blues still well in contention Champions League-wise, surely a dip in form is coming? Many are tipping them to go unbeaten the entire campaign but with so many games in a modern club season, it would be highly unlikely they match Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’. Just like Liverpool last season, without Champions League football to contend with, there could be an opportunity for Van Gaal’s side to make a massive challenge around February with the likes of Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool all involved in constant midweek action.