Michael Carrick: United star remains hopeful of a bid for the title

Michael Carrick sees no reason why Manchester United should be ignored in talk about the Premier League title race.

Louis van Gaal's reign as United boss started poorly but his team have turned a corner in recent weeks, winning five consecutive matches even though performances have been far from spectacular at times.

A sixth straight win against their biggest rivals Liverpool on Sunday would further consolidate their position in the Champions League qualification places, but Van Gaal wants more than just a top-four finish.

Jamie Redknapp previews this weekend’s Super Sunday fixture between Manchester United and Liverpool. Jamie Redknapp previews this weekend’s Super Sunday fixture between Manchester United and Liverpool.

Great shout

And Carrick feels Van Gaal is right to believe in his dreams of replacing Chelsea at the top.

"If we are in and around the top by Christmas or January then we are right in there with a chance," Carrick told United Review.

"(Last weekend) was a big weekend with Chelsea losing at Newcastle and other results going for us.

"I think with this squad that we have, which is gradually improving and building, anything can happen.

"It is all won and lost in the last two or three months of the season, so the aim is definitely to challenge.

"In seasons when we have been successful, there have been periods when things haven't gone for us but we've found a way to get through it.

"I just feel the same as before - if we are near the top of the table after Christmas then we have a great shout of achieving something with the squad we've got."

Watch Manchester United's clash with Liverpool as part of Super Sunday - coverage starts at 12:30pm on Sky Sports 1 HD.