Eric Cantona: Manchester United can win title next year

United ended a run of four successive Manchester derby defeats with an impressive 4-2 victory against their local rivals on Sunday.

Such was the superiority of their performance, United legend Cantona has claimed that Louis van Gaal’s men could win the league next season.

"Now they are the kings of the city," said Cantona, who won four titles with United.

"Sometimes you have a season when you lose games and you finish fourth or fifth. Next year they can win."

United manager Van Gaal was certainly pleased after the derby win after he proclaimed his side.

When asked whether he regarded United as the best team in Manchester, Van Gaal said: "We are this moment four points ahead so that is a fact.

"This afternoon is maybe the best feeling (since coming to United).”

United’s performance level has certainly spiked in recent weeks but there are still serious deficiencies within the squad and their starting XI. First and foremost, the defence is still in need of major reconstructive surgery. However, it does appear as though Van Gaal has found a system that suits the players at his disposal. United are on the rise and if they can augment their improvement on the pitch with shrewd player acquisitions over the summer then there is a very good chance that come this time next year they may very well be in the hunt for the title.