Hello all! I hope you're enjoying Good Friday. It's been a pleasant break for Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal as he guided his team to the Premier League double over Liverpool at Anfield 12 days ago. The 2-1 victory has put them in a strong position where the race for top four is concerned. The Red Devils currently occupy fourth spot and have stretched their lead over fifth-placed Liverpool to five points.

It's not that long ago that people were questioning whether United would be able to secure a Champions League spot due to their lacklustre form, but now, some are pondering a possible title charge! How things can change! They are just two points behind second-placed Manchester City, but they face a difficult task closing down the eight-point gap between themselves and leaders Chelsea, who have lost just two league games so far this season.

This weekend's opponents are Aston Villa, who are enjoying a somewhat resurgence under new manager Tim Sherwood. The Midlands side suffered a late 1-0 defeat to Swansea City prior to the international break, but before that, they snatched wins over West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland.

Sherwood's men have also booked a place in the FA Cup semi-finals, and considering that they are fighting for Premier League survival in the final eight games, United may face a tough task this weekend.

As usual, Van Gaal will provide relevant team news for Saturday's encounter, and he may also be asked questions about United's possible summer transfer activity. The news this week has been dominated by rumours that Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels will be on his way to the North-West of England, while Memphis Depay has also been heavily linked.

With regards to the players Van Gaal already has, Juan Mata is expected to keep his starting spot tomorrow given his impressive goals against Liverpool. The Spaniard was named United's player of the month for March.

Mata had a little message to the United fans after winning the gong...

Right, let's get some team news then, shall we? Van Gaal has told MUTV that Chris Smalling is a doubt for tomorrow's fixture due to illness, while Robin van Persie and Luke Shaw have stepped up their return to action. However, the Dutchman hasn't given a specific date on when those two are to return.

Here he is, Van Gaal is ready to face the media...

Minutes ago, the Dutchman revealed that Van Persie is working his way back to fitness, but he has since confirmed that the striker will not be ready to feature in tomorrow's match against Aston Villa.

We jump right into the race for top four. Van Gaal says: "When we had 30 points after 11 matches, we had a lot of criticism. It is still a rat race. Also, Tottenham and Liverpool are still in, but of course, we have given them a blow, but we have to play against the first three still, so it can happen a lot."

On whether his side have a chance of winning the title: "Still, we can win the title - mathematically, we can do that."

Is Van Gaal surprised about how well his team are currently performing? "What is surprise? We are working day in, day out. We have to see how players respond because how I train, is not so easy for players and it is a whole process. We start at the bottom - unconscious and uncapable. The next step is conscious and capable, then unconscious andcapable. I think we are there."

On the possible break in momentum due to international week: "I have thought after the Liverpool game that the international break was not at the right moment, but when I see my players performing for their teams, I'm very pleased. I'm very happy and it's confirming that every match a player plays can give him confidence. We trained yesterday, not with the total group because they need recovery but with the players that did train, we did a good session, so I have a very good feeling that we will continue against Aston Villa."

"But, Aston Villa, we played against 10 men and we couldn't score anymore, so it's a difficult team, and I've said many times in these press conferences that every team in England can beat you."

Van Gaal discusses Marouane Fellaini's change in form. "I thought that I had said in this press conference that the first time that I met him he was late because of the World Cup. I didn't know him. I know him as a coach that he's playing for Manchester United, and before then Everton and playing for the national team. The first time that I saw him was here. Of course I have heard a lot of stories about him, but from the first training session, he was open and wanted to perform, so I am not surprised. He had an unlucky season because he was injured and ill a lot of times, but when he's fit he has always played for me more or less. I wanted balance in the team and he can give a lot of balance in the team. When he's playing like he's playing now, I cannot change him."

The Dutchman gives more details about Van Persie's fitness: "We have a process for injured players in the medical department, they then go to a football coach for tests and then to me. Robin still isn't with the football coach. He's still not in my group. Luke Shaw is in my group, that's different, but van Persie isn't available."

Right, that's all from Van Gaal. So, what have we learned? Robin van Persie is yet to return to fitness, while Chris Smalling could miss tomorrow's match against Villa due to illness. The Dutch boss is feeling confident about his side's chances of qualifying in the Champions League spots, but he remains wary of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. Oh, and he is refusing to rule out a title charge...

Be sure to return to Sports Mole on Saturday when we will have all the build-up, live action and reaction to United's clash against Villa at Old Trafford. Until next time, goodbye!