Louis van Gaal Hoping For Momentum At Manchester United

Louis van Gaal hopes Manchester United's midweek victory over Stoke will provide the springboard in their battle to secure a Champions League spot next season.

United produced one of their better displays of the season as they brushed aside the Potters 3-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

It was a vast improvement on their previous home game against Southampton, who clinched a 1-0 win at the 'Theatre of Dreams'.

And now Van Gaal is hoping his side can use their new-found confidence to build some momentum ahead of Sunday's trip to Chelsea, which will be shown live on Sky Sports.

The Dutchman said: "I think the players have that confidence with them at this moment. We have scored two times in the first half also. I hope it shall give them that boost to continue.

"But Chelsea are also in good shape because [Guus] Hiddink doesn't lose. It's not so easy to beat them at home but still I have the feeling that we can do that."

United are currently fifth in the Premier League, five points off fourth spot and a place in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League.

Van Gaal added: "Now we have to win. The most important thing is to win our games because the gap is still five points. It's not too much but it is still five points.

"That's our first aim, that we close the gap between us and No 4."

Credit: Skysports.com