Van Gaal talks up title hope

LOUIS VAN GAAL insisted that Manchester United have proved their title credentials after Wayne Rooney pounced to flatten Liverpool. The United manager, who has weathered heavy criticism all season, has now won all four of the games he has overseen against his club’s most bitter rivals after Rooney crashed in the only goal of the game at Anfield. Van Gaal stopped short of saying this was his best day of the campaign, but feels the momentum can make them credible challengers to Arsenal, Leicester, Manchester City and Spurs. Van Gaal, whose side are seven points off the top, said: ‘To beat Liverpool is always important. Today it was important because our competitors lost points.’ When asked if that meant United were back in the title race, the Dutchman — speaking as leaders Arsenal were being held at Stoke — added: ‘It will depend on results. We are seven points behind now and we have a lot of matches still to go. We started 2016 with a lot of wins. ‘This game will give a boost to the players and the fans and the environment of Manchester United. The best day of the season? No, I don’t think so. You have to see it always in perspective. But it is a fantastic win and will give us a good boost. ‘Liverpool dominated in the first half. I have to admit we have survived that period. We did not create anything. ‘We were better in the second half. We created two chances and scored one of the two. So I’m happy.’ Rooney, who last scored a winning goal for United at Anfield in January 2005, was overjoyed after he thumped in a shot when Marouane Fellaini’s header bounced off the bar into his path. He, like his manager, knew the display could be improved but all that mattered were the points. ‘This is a special feeling,’ said Rooney, who has now scored five times in his last four matches. ‘It is always great to score at your rivals and, against Liverpool for this football club, it is a massive result. On a personal note, it doesn’t get much better. ‘The performance wasn’t important. The result was.’ Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (left) was visibly despondent. They had good chances through Roberto Firmino, Emre Can and Jordan Henderson, but ended up wilting and Klopp was left to bemoan a lack of firepower and the wrong decisions being made. ‘It’s really bad,’ said Klopp. ‘It is a derby game and you must win it. That is the only possible way you can be satisfied after the game. ‘I believe we played better than Manchester United.’