Manchester United: Louis van Gaal says club can challenge for title

Manchester United's victory at Southampton proves they can challenge for the Premier League title, says manager Louis van Gaal. The Dutchman's side won 3-2 at St Mary's on Sunday, with 19-year-old striker Anthony Martial scoring twice. The victory moves United up to second in the table, two points behind rivals Manchester City, who lost 2-1 at home to West Ham on Saturday. "We have made a statement that we shall compete for the title," Van Gaal said. "You cannot expect a title from a team in transition. But when we are close we shall grab it." Van Gaal also praised Martial's impact, who scored three goals with his first three shots on target since arriving at the club in a £36m transfer from Monaco. Anthony Martial Martial equalised with United's first shot on target and then took advantage of a terrible Maya Yoshida backpass to slot in a second "He is doing great - three matches in a row and three goals," Van Gaal said.