"Manchester United can still win the Premier League" - Van Gaal

Louis van Gaal says Manchester United can still win the Barclays Premier League, even though his side sit eight points behind leaders Chelsea having played a game more going into the run-in.

Victory over Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday would put some pressure on neighbours Manchester City - currently second - who don't play until Monday at Crystal Palace.

Van Gaal - who confirmed that Robin van Persie is still injured - said: 'There is still a rat race (for fourth) that Liverpool and Tottenham are involved in.

'We have given them a blow but we still have to play the top three teams.

'A lot can happen. Still we can win the title, mathematically. We can do that.'

Credit: Ian Ladyman/SportsMail