Louis van Gaal: 'Manchester United need miracle to win title'

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has admitted that his side 'require a miracle' to win the Premier League title this season.

The Red Devils, who finished last season's Premier League campaign in seventh place, kicked off life under their new manager with a 2-1 defeat against Swansea City at Old Trafford last weekend.

Next up for United is a trip to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light tomorrow, with questions being asked of the club's American owners and vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

"To win the league this season would be a miracle," The Mirror quotes Van Gaal as saying. "But that isn't to say that it isn't possible. It is always possible, but it shall be very difficult.

"I think the Glazer family understand this or I would not have accepted this job. I have discussed everything with them. We have had long discussions where I have shown myself. I am always open to them.

"That is why we discussed three years, not one year. They wanted to know what are the consequences when you are hiring me – and I have told them. In my experience, in my former clubs, it was always that the start was very difficult."

The Old Trafford outfit are said to be close to landing Angel di Maria, with the Real Madrid winger due in Manchester for talks early next week.