Van Gaal still talking title

Manchester United's smash-and-grab 1-0 victory at Liverpool on Sunday will strengthen conviction that it can yet end a difficult season as Premier League champion, according to manager Louis van Gaal.

Wayne Rooney's 78th-minute goal at a chilly Anfield stadium earned United the win, which left the 20-time champion seven points below leader Arsenal in fifth place.

United had been second-best by some distance until then, but following a run of four straight defeats over Christmas that saw van Gaal's position called into question, it is now unbeaten in five games and its manager believes the title is still a viable objective.