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With only 8 games to go in the Premier League season, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes his side is still in contention for the Premier League title.
The optimistic Dutchman in the press conference said, “We can still win the title mathematically .We can do that”
“When there was a lot of criticism after 16 points from 11 games I said we will be fighting at the end of the season. It is still a rat race."
Van Gaal insists Fellaini is indispensable
The £27.5 million fall-guy of the David Moyes era, Marouane Fellaini, is now one of the best players in the current United side. The Dutch manager has acknowledged the hardwork put in by the Belgian midifeler as he continues his impeccable run of form, for both club and country.
“When he plays as he does now I can not change him,” said Van Gaal. “I have heard a lot of stories about him but from the first training session he did what I asked.
"He was open and he wants to perform so I am not surprised with his form. He had an unlucky season because he was injured and ill, but when fit he has always played for me because I was looking for a balance and he can give a lot of balance.
“The first time I met him he was late because of the World Cup. I didn’t know him. I knew him as a coach, that he played for Manchester United and Everton and national team, but it’s the first time I saw him was in Manchester.”
Injury update: Van Persie out; Shaw back in squad
Meanwhile, Van Gaal also confirmed the return of Luke Shaw in the squad after another stint on the sidlines with an injury. However, his fellow compatriot Robin van Persie has been ruled out for the home game against Villa this weekend.
"Robin is coming back on the [training] pitch and Luke Shaw has already had a week on there, but match rhythm is very important. You cannot compare a player who has been out for four or five weeks to those that have sufficient match rhythm.
"We have a process for injured players in the medical department, they then go to a football coach for tests and then to me. Robin still isn't with the football coach. He's still not in my group. Luke Shaw is in my group, that's different, but Van Persie isn't available."
