Daley Blind has warned champions-elect Chelsea that Manchester United will launch a serious challenge for the Premier League title next season.
And the Holland international says United intend to put a marker down when they visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday bidding to cement their top-three place by securing a seventh successive League win.
United’s progress under manager Louis Van Gaal has been underlined by their record against the top seven clubs.
Sunday’s Manchester derby win put them top of the mini-table involving the leading teams with six wins, two draws and two defeats, and Blind says they hope to improve that record against Jose Mourinho’s leaders, who drew 1-1 at Old Trafford earlier this season.
“Can we win the League next year? Manchester United is always a club that is fighting for the title so it’s an easy answer,” he said.
“We have improved a lot, we are still improving and we really are one team, and that is the important thing. We have to keep on this way and keep in our mind that every game is a final.
“When you win a derby game it is always special and a great feeling. Of course other teams will have watched the game but we have to watch ourselves this season, focus on our own games, and then we will see where it ends. We have to believe in ourselves.”
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Daley Blind says Manchester United will challenge for the Premier League title next season
Blind revealed that skipper Wayne Rooney had fired up United with a rallying call to set the record straight after four consecutive derby defeats to City.
“Everyone knew how important this game was, not only because it’s a rat race in the last few games of the season but also because of the history of the last four games,” he said.
“Wayne mentioned it in the dressing room before the game to all the players. Everyone is already sharp at that moment but it is still something that you have in mind when you go on to the pitch. It brings extra feeling with it.
Can we win the League next year? Manchester United is always a club that is fighting for the title so it’s an easy answer
Daley Blind
“It was going through the team. You saw how everyone was fighting for each other. We were really compact as a team again.”
Luke Shaw, who is being kept out of the left-back position by Blind, has given himself only a “C minus” on his injury-hit first season at Old Trafford.
“If I was to write a school report on my first season here I’d give myself a C-,” he said. “It’s been a frustrating one because of the injuries I’ve picked up but I’m loving it.
“You don’t realise just how big Man United is until you’re actually here – it’s frightening! It is the biggest club around.
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