Bullish Van Gaal eyeing the top four as United’s young guns kickstart recovery

Manchester United’s hopes of Champions League qualification are growing as their injury list shrinks and boss Louis van Gaal appears much more optimistic now than the man who recently looked set for the sack.

A fourth successive victory was ground out on Wednesday as Van Gaal’s side beat Watford 1-0, moving them to within reach of the Premier League’s top four as they prepare to visit West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

The two teenagers in United’s starting line-up in midweek both acquitted themselves well, with Marcus Rashford proving more effective when switched from a central attacking role to the right wing for the second half.

In addition, Timothy Fosu-Mensah showed great composure to get through the game at centre-back despite having to play for 67 minutes with a yellow card to his name.

Rashford has made an astonishing start to his career, scoring four goals in his first three games, and that has led to England manager Roy Hodgson suggesting that he could be part of his international squad for Euro 2016.