Wayne Rooney has said that Manchester United are starting to believe that they can win the title from this position.

After another poor start to the season even under the new management of Louis van Gaal, the prospect of even finishing in the top four looked in doubt. A run of seven victories since the 1-0 defeat against Manchester City have seen United open a considerable advantage to the pack chasing the top four. They now have the ability to switch their focus to the title. With just one game remaining until New Year, United are just 10 points behind table leaders Chelsea.

Rooney has been a major factor in this impressive run for United. The 29-year-old has contributed a staggering five goals and two assists in the last five matches. His best contribution, by far, came in the 3-1 win over Newcastle United on Boxing Day. He scored two and set up the other in an impressive victory. United extended their lead over Southampton, who occupy the final top four spot, to three points. The club will have to maintain this run going with the distraction of FA Cup coming up in the next week. United have been showing the kind of form that has won them league titles in the past and Rooney believes that it can be done again.

“There’s a long way to go, we know that. If we can come out of these games the right side with the right result, we’ll be in a good position.We’re happy to win the game. It’s a busy period for us over Christmas and we were able to start that out with a win.We were disappointed at the end to concede the goal but overall we’ve got to be pleased with the three points,” said Wayne Rooney.