Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has hit back at those who criticised him at the start of the season, claiming that the Red Devils are still mathematically able to win the title.

The former Netherlands boss came under criticism earlier in the season as his charges were languishing in mid-table, but they have rallied round to find themselves in fourth place.

Van Gaal told a press conference on Friday: "The top four is still a rat race. I said when we had 13 points from 11 games and we were getting a lot of criticism that we would see at the end of the season.

"We will still see at the end of the season. We still have the top three to play. Can we still win the title? Mathematically, we can still do it."

Man Utd welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.