United can’t afford to get complacent

Van Gaal’s United return to action this weekend after the international break with a tricky home tie against Aston Villa. After superb performances and results against Spurs and Liverpool, United cant afford to take their eye off the ball.

The International break could not have come at a worse time for United, being on such good form but they will look to get straight back to winning ways when Tim Sherwood and his side visit Old Trafford. Villa have been unpredictable as of late following up their 4-0 away win at Sunderland with a home defeat to Swansea. Van Gaal’s side will fully expect to brush Villa aside and consolodate their place in the top four.

Prior to the Liverpool game questions remained whether the Spurs victory was just a fluke, the 2-1 win at Anfield certainly proved this was no fluke and that maybe Van Gaal has finally found a winning system. The Anfield performance was probably the best we’ve seen under Van Gaal and has filled both the fans and players with confidence that it wont be long until they are back at the top.

The star of the show in United’s triumph over Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool was little Spaniard Juan Mata who scored both goals in an all round great individual performance. Mata, who has struggled so far under Van Gaal, will now be hoping to push on and recapture the form he experienced at former club Chelsea. Mata has a total of 7 goals and registered 3 assists in nineteen starts and six substitute appearences in the Premier League. A stat he will be looking to improve in the remainder of the season.

Finally nine months into his career Van Gaal is beginning to get it right and at just the right time. A win against Villa is imperative to their top four chances with a Manchester derby up next and away games with Chelsea and Everton to follow. The Manchester side currenty sit 5 points clear of 5th place Liverpool and the Champions League places still remain the goal for Van Gaal this season.