Dutchman Van Gaal, who has admitted the Premier League title may be beyond his side, feels the competition is his best chance of silverware this season.

The manager also warned players, including ex-United Premier League winner Luke Chadwick, that they will be shirtless if they attempt to make a half-time swap.

A poll by bookmaker William Hill to identify the most ‘weather hardened fans’ gave United 23% of the vote – not surprisingly coming behind the Premier League’s two North-East sides Newcastle United and Sunderland.

Three-times European champions United rose two places to second in the 2015 annual Deloitte Football Money League report published yesterday.

Colombian striker Falcao missed a hatful of gilt-edged opportunities on Saturday afternoon as United stayed in the top four, a point above Arsenal who turned over champions Manchester City.

De Gea has been in blistering form this term and now his partner Edurne Garcia is set to represent Spain at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in May.

United had been touted as potential title challengers during their 11-match unbeaten run over the Christmas period but are now 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.

Despite controlling much of the proceedings at Old Trafford, United failed to register a single shot on target, with Dusan Tadic’s well-taken effort enough to secure victory for Ronald Koeman’s high-flying Saints.

A gruelling three games in six days over Christmas/New Year, highlighting strengths and exposing weaknesses in any squad, showed up United despite Louis van Gaal’s big ambitions at the club.

Louis van Gaal has been touted as having turned the corner during his side’s ongoing 11-match unbeaten run, and there has even been increasing talk of a possible title challenge, yet his record is arguably worse than Moyes’ and comes on the back of an unprecedented summer spending spree.

After 20 league games, all that separates Chelsea and Manchester City at the top of the league is a handful of letters. A huge if it may be, but IF it stayed this way after 38 games then the title would be decided by way of a play-off.