Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has insisted that the club could still win the Premier League this season.

The Red Devils are currently eight points behind leaders Chelsea, who have a match in hand, but the Dutchman believes that they can mount a challenge now that the players have started buying into manager Louis van Gaal's philosophy.

"It's going to take something to catch Chelsea who look very, very strong but it's a long season and it's not even Christmas. The league will be decided in March or April," he told Sky Sports News.

"They are starting to buy in day by day and week by week what Van Gaal and his staff want from the players and his style of play."

He added: "They have two big games coming up against Southampton and then Liverpool and they simply have to take these game by game... week by week."

United's 2-1 victory against Stoke City this week was their fourth league win on the spin.