Van Gaal: A Win Can Kickstart New Era

Louis van Gaal accepts that victory on Sunday against Chelsea could kickstart the new era at Manchester United.

The Reds are showing signs of hitting top form as the Dutchman's philosophy begins to have an effect on his players and the next examination could not be more difficult with Jose Mourinho's Londoners sitting pretty at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

When asked by MUTV if a win could change the whole outlook for the season, the boss replied: "Yes, I think so. I've told this to the players as well because I have had a lot of examples during my time as a manager [like this].

"When you get a good result in a moment that maybe you never expect, that gives you a lot of stimulation to continue. I have had a lot of moments like this and maybe we'll have one on Sunday against Chelsea."

The United boss is determined to eradicate the sloppy defensive errors that cost his side in the 2-2 draw with West Brom on Monday as any slips at the back could be ruthlessly punished by the Blues at the weekend.

"Of course, I think a lot of the time we lose [goals] or we get caught out because of individual errors and it's always another player who makes that individual error," he continued. "That is not easy to improve. We made a very good attacking match [at West Brom] but scoring two was not enough. It was a pity as we were the better team."

The home supporters will be asked to make the difference at Old Trafford as the volume will be increased for what could be a pivotal fixture in the campaign. United have a pedigree for upsetting the odds in such encounters and anticipation is building that any hopes the visitors may have of matching Arsenal's 'Invincibles' season could be dashed.

"I have already said I have never experienced such good and big fans as Manchester United's," admitted van Gaal. "Because we haven't had very good results, but they are supporting the team like they are at the top, as Chelsea are now. That's remarkable and I appreciate it very much."