Robin van Persie believes Manchester United can make up ground on Premier League leaders Chelsea.
United continued their four-match unbeaten streak thanks to Van Persie’s 93rd minute leveller against José Mourinho’s title favourites at Old Trafford.
And the Dutchman, who has been struggling for form this season, insists that United have the quality to bridge the ten-point gap between themselves and Sunday’s opponent.
“Of course we can [catch Chelsea], there’s a long way to go in the season,” the forward told Sky Sports News.
“In my opinion we are better every day. In training and if you look at games, you can see we are comfy on the ball and are playing better.
“In the 93rd minute, 1-0 down at home it feels so much better but overall we had more chances. Although it’s a fair result I have mixed feelings.”
United were handed a boost before kick-off when it was revealed that Blues’ star forward Diego Costa would miss the game through injury.
The hosts started brightly in what was an end to end game, with Van Persie forcing Thibaut Courtois into a string of impressive saves.
But it was the visitors who made the breakthrough when Didier Drogba, Costa’s replacement, flicked in a near-post header early in the second half.
Louis van Gaal’s side pushed hard for an equaliser, but it was only when Branislav Ivanovic was handed a second yellow card for a push on Angel Di Maria that United finally secured a share of the spoils.
Di Maria’s inviting cross found Marouane Fellaini, whose powerful header could only be parried away by Courtois.
Van Persie, ever the poacher, latched onto the rebound to fire home from close range, and Van Gaal was delighted with his sides determined performance.
“The most pleasing thing is we are believing in making a goal even when the score line is bad,” Van Gaal told reporters.
“The players are running until the 90th minute to equalise or win. Chelsea tried to kill the game but my boys ran and fought until the end and at the end we scored and I think deserved it.
“Chelsea are a top team and we were at least equal.”
However, the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager also revealed that the Red’s must be more ruthless in front of goal if they are to improve – with the Manchester derby up next.
“I’ve said to the players we could have won but we didn’t and that’s our fault,” he added.
“I’m not pleased as I still have the feeling we could have won and that we don’t take our opportunities at the moment.”
Main image courtesy of Sky Sports via YouTube, with thanks.
