Manchester United still have 'a chance' of winning the Premier League title, claims Rafael

Philosophy of Louis van Gaal is 'proven' says the right-back

Louis van Gaal and Rafael (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United are still capable of winning the Premier League title this season, claims Rafael.

The Red Devils find themselves fourth in the table despite a dreadful start to the new term that saw them take five games to register a win. Three wins from their last four games, including the latest victory over Everton, propelled Louis van Gaal's side up the table.

Whilst a Champions League place is the requirement for the new Manchester United manager this season, Rafael believes that the title is not out of reach, despite the club trailing league leaders Chelsea by eight points.

“Everything takes time,” said the Brazilian. “It’s a different philosophy. If we understand the way we are playing like we are doing, the results come and everything starts to run smoothly, we certainly have a chance of winning the title.

“Louis Van Gaal is a strong coach. He admires things that are done right.

“He asks everybody to be on time for our sessions, we can’t be late. He likes to see us training hard.

"So, he has some differences (to previous managers), especially in terms of his philosophy, and we need to be able to adapt to it.

“However it’s must be right because the proof is the titles that he’s won."

Van Gaal has won titles with Ajax, Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich - the latter of which came after a similarly difficult start to his reign as the Dutchman endured at Old Trafford.

Manchester United get their season back under way after the international break with a game against West Brom before then facing the pace-setters Chelsea and Manchester City.

“These games will be very important for us," Rafael is quoted by the Manchester Evening News.

"Against West Brom we need to be very focused as they are showing good form - then we face Chelsea at home and City.

"We need to think about these three games and if we win we will be close to the top - probably in second place. So we need to be positive."