Manchester United's Ashley Young believes the club can start to look beyond the top four spot they now occupy such is the confidence manager Louis van Gaal has instilled in the side.
Today
West Bromwich vs Arsenal
Burnley vs Aston Villa
Liverpool vs Stoke City
Man United vs Hull City
QPR vs Leicester City
West Ham vs Newcastle United
Swansea City vs Crystal Palace
Sunderland vs Chelsea
Sunday
Southampton v Manchester City
Tottenham v Everton
Manchester United’s Ashley Young believes the club can start to look beyond the top four spot they now occupy such is the confidence manager Louis van Gaal has instilled in the side.
For the first time this season, United are among the Premier League’s Champions League qualification places.
Last Saturday’s 2-1 win at Arsenal means United have now lost just one of their last seven games following the club’s worst start to a season since 1986.
United will be warm favourites to extend that run against out-of-sorts Hull City, who are just one place above the relegation zone, at Old Trafford on Saturday.
For van Gaal, the short-term target is to make sure his team stays in the top four to bring Champions League football back to United at the first time of asking under the Dutchman.
But Young said there was no reason why United should not aim higher still, even though unbeaten league leaders Chelsea are a massive 13 points ahead of them at the top of the table.
"I think the manager has said we want to break that top four,” Young said.
"But you know players and staff at the club, we want to win the league title,” the England winger added.
"I think he (van Gaal) has got that aura. You know he has got that presence out on the training ground and the training pitch. He believes in people, he gives you that belief and he is an honest man and he just wants everyone to go out there and do well,” Young explained.
"The manager wants to achieve massive things, he wants the club to get back to winning titles and we are no different to that. You know the players have bought into that philosophy since pre-season and that is exactly what everyone is doing.
"We are all pulling in the right direction, pulling in the same direction and everybody is leading that charge up the league.”
United defender Jonny Evans could return against Hull after being out of action since September with a foot injury as van Gaal’s injury worries start to ease.
Marcos Rojo has returned to training following a dislocated shoulder, although he may not be ready to face Hull. Striker Radamel Falcao could also be given longer to fully regain match fitness after missing four games with a calf problem.
Hull are without a win in their last five matches and have lost their last three.
The good news for manager Steve Bruce, a former United captain, is that several key players are back from injury.
Midfielder Mohamed Diame, who has impressed since his transfer deadline day move from West Ham United, has been cleared to play after a scan on his knee.
Striker Nikica Jelavic, defender Michael Dawson and goalkeeper Allan McGregor are also fit after playing in the 2-1 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur – their first appearance in four weeks.
The fixture with United is likely to see Ireland winger Robbie Brady face his former club for the first time.
The 22-year-old joined Hull in 2013 after four-and-a-half years at Old Trafford.
"I can’t wait,” said Brady, whose one and only appearance for United came in a League Cup tie in September 2012.
"It’ll be great to go back there for the first time and hopefully we can get a result to make it all the better.”