Ander Herrera has challenged United to close the gap on Chelsea and City over Christmas and set up a New Year title push.

Louis van Gaal’s side are on their best run of the season after securing their fourth straight win with victory against Stoke on Tuesday.

They can move up to third on Monday with another three points against Southampton at St Mary’s.

Van Gaal’s miniumum requirement in his first season at Old Trafford is to lead United back into the Champions League. But their recent run - including victory at Arsenal last month - is firing belief that they could mount an unlikely title challenge.

It is still a tall order, given the 11-point gap to leaders Chelsea - but with no European distractions, United can focus on making up ground at the top.

And Herrera believes the festive period is the chance to close in on the teams above them.

“I think this month we can catch up,” said the £29m midfielder. “Southampton, Manchester City and Chelsea are over us, but I think we have the capacity to catch them up.

“Now the team is in fourth, but I think our football is going to be better.”

Herrera is about to get his first taste of festive football in the Premier League following his move from Athletic Bilbao in the summer.

Having spent his career in Spain the 25-year-old is used to having a winter break over Christmas and New Year.

Instead he will be required to help United cope with a busy schedule that includes six games between now and January 1.

“It’s different, but it’s good because I love football,” said Herrera.

“I have always said the same - I love football, I love playing and I love to be at Manchester United.”

There have been signs of Herrera acclimatising to English football in recent weeks, with impressive performances in the wins against Hull and Stoke.

His start to life at United had been disrupted by injury and the resurgence of Marouane Fellaini.

But the player, who David Moyes tried to bring to Old Trafford 12 months before his eventual move, says he is finding his feet in the more aggressive English game.

“I think it’s more physical than the Spanish league,” he said. “The opposite team always want to score.

“(In Spain) the other team is waiting for you. In England nothing is waiting for you.

“All the teams want to attack. All the teams to make it spectacular for the fans.

“It’s good for me. I am sure of that. I want to be ready for the team.

“I love the Premier League because I think it is now one of the most competitive leagues in the world.”

Herrera faces a fight to hold on down a regular starting berth in midfield, with Michael Carrick, Angel di Maria, Fellaini, Daley Blind, Juan Mata and Darren Fletcher all competiting for a place in Van Gaal’s engine room.

With United also targeting Roma’s Kevin Strootman in January or at the end of the season, there is set to be even more competition for places.

But Van Gaal already proved how highly he rates Herrera by sanctioning his move in the summer, which was already underway before the Dutchman was appointed.

By contrast, the United manager opted not to follow up interest in Cesc Fabregas, who was another player on the club’s wanted list dating back to Moyes’ time in charge.

Despite United’s current run of form Van Gaal still believes his midfield needs strengthening.

He wants to add an enforcer to his squad, with Holland international Strootman his number one target.

A knee ligament injury forced the 24-year-old to miss the World Cup in the summer and prompted United to delay their plans to make a move.