Louis van Gaal dismisses title talk as Manchester United hit top of Premier League table

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal refused to look too far ahead in the Premier League title race despite seeing his side go top after comfortably beating Sunderland 3-0.

Manchester City’s 4-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur earlier on Saturday enabled United to take top spot for the first time since Van Gaal took charge at the start of last season.

But the Dutchman believes it is too early to gauge United’s chances of a first title since legendary former manager Alex Ferguson delivered his 13th and final championship in 2013.

“Ask me that question again in May,” Van Gaal said after goals from Memphis Depay, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata at Old Trafford left Sunderland still looking for a first win of the season.

“To continue is very difficult in this league. Last year when we had 13 points from 10 or 11 matches, we had to chase and at the end of the season we finished fourth.

“This year is a big difference. You can start better from the top than the bottom, but it shall be very difficult. In May you can ask me the same question.

“We have to continue, although we shall lose also. We play away at Arsenal next week and they are one of the most difficult teams to beat, but we won there last season so it is possible.