Van Gaal says United still in hunt

Manager upbeat after strong display against struggling Villa

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal insists he has not given up hope of ending his first season in charge as a Premier League champion after a 3-1 win over Aston Villa lifted his team into third place.

United's fifth consecutive victory, courtesy of two goals from Ander Herrera and one from Wayne Rooney, lifted United above defending champion Manchester City, who it meets in a derby this weekend, and kept it within eight points of leader Chelsea.