Manchester United's 12 Days of Christmas
Manchester United and Louis van Gaal were enduring a mixed start to the season until a month ago.
But six wins in a row against Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Hull, Stoke, Southampton and Liverpool mean, with a bit of luck, anything is possible between now and May.
Van Gaal's main target is to get United back into the Champions League as soon as possible. But United have also given themselves a slim chance of winning the title.
But what would the supporters like for their 12 days of Christmas? Here's a list ranked from the smallest to the biggest asks. Feel free to use the comments section below to add your own.
12. A Goal for Radamel Falcao
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Injuries have meant Radamel Falcao hasn't had that many opportunities since arriving at United from Monaco on loan.
He's been on the bench for the last three games, but when he's come on he's looked short of confidence.
It's only natural after coming back from such a long lay-off. But it's nothing that a start and a goal against Aston Villa on Saturday won't fix.
11. Three Points Against Aston Villa
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United have won the last six games, their best run in the Premier League for more than a year.
Victories over Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Hull, Stoke, Southampton and Liverpool have pushed them up to third.
And a win over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday would further cement their place in the top four and keep the pressure on Manchester City and Chelsea.
10. Slip Ups for Chelsea and Manchester City
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When United couldn't win any of their first three Premier League games, a title challenge looked unlikely. But six wins in a row have given them a chance.
And, with more than half the season still to play, that's all you can do. But if United are going to win a 21st championship this season, then they're going to need Manchester City and Chelsea to drop points.
And they wouldn't be the first to falter during a busy fixture list over Christmas and New Year.
9. A Quick Recovery for Daley Blind
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Daley Blind hasn't played since the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on November 8 after suffering a knee injury while on international duty.
His loss has been softened by the return of Michael Carrick, but the Dutchman is still an important part of Van Gaal's squad. His injury could have been worse, and there's a hope he might be able to return in January according to Stuart Mathieson of the Manchester Evening News.
8. Angel Di Maria to Hit the Ground Running
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Angel Di Maria made a flying start to his United career, scoring three times in his first five games.
But before his injury, his form had dipped as a long summer and hectic move to England began to catch up with him.
Van Gaal will hope he returns from his lay-off well-rested and ready to play a key role in the second half of the season.
7. A Better Injury Record in 2015
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Van Gaal has had to contend with a lot of injuries since taking over as United manager in the summer.
Among other things, it's meant he's had to use 20 different centre-back combinations in just 16 Premier League games.
The Dutchman will hope he has a bit more luck in the new year. If United are going to finish in the top four, or even win a trophy, it's vital they keep key players like Michael Carrick, Angel Di Maria, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie fit and available.
6. A New Defender
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After the departures of both Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic in the summer, United were expected to sign a big-name centre-back.
Marcos Rojo arrived from Sporting Lisbon, but there's still a feeling among the fans that Van Gaal is short at the back, especially with Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones prone to injury. The supporters would like Mats Hummels, but United would face a fight to prise him away from Borussia Dortmund.
5. A New Midfielder
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Just like in defence, there's also a feeling that United are still missing a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder in the mould of Roy Keane or Bryan Robson.
It's an area where they're still short, but Van Gaal might have to wait until the summer to make the additions he wants. He's a fan of Kevin Strootman, but Roma have made it clear they've got no intention of letting him leave—and certainly not on the cheap—with general director Mauro Baldissoni explaining to Radio Anch'Io Lo Sport (via the Manchester Evening News) that the constant questions surrounding the Dutchman's future have angered the club president, James Pallotta.
4. A New Contract for David De Gea
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David de Gea is in the form of his life. But with that have come rumours of interest from Real Madrid, courtesy of Jamie Anderson of the Daily Express.
Unwanted interest, as far as United are concerned. It's started to worry the fans that the 24-year-old has still not signed a new contract.
His current deal runs out at the end of next season and, for many supporters, that's too close for comfort. With the 24-year-old quickly becoming one of the best goalkeepers in the world, they're desperate to see him extend his stay.
3. The FA Cup
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Van Gaal has already said he fancies a crack at the FA Cup this season. But the fans will want to see evidence of his desire to win it in his team selection at Yeovil on January 4, after his second string were thrashed by MK Dons in the Capital One Cup.
United haven't won the FA Cup since 2004, and to win it would be an impressive way for Van Gaal to start his career at Old Trafford. Trophies, after all, solve almost all other problems.
2. A Place in the Champions League
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Van Gaal was hired to clean up the mess left by David Moyes, and specifically to get United back into the Champions League as quickly as possible.
His minimum target this season is to get them into the top four. Anything else will be treated as something of a bonus. United's pursuit of Champions League football has been aided by the faltering form of Liverpool, Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham.
But there's still a long way to go. And United can't afford to miss out again.
1. The Premier League Title
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The Premier League title seemed a million miles away not so long ago. But United's improved form in the last month has made it a possibility, even if it's still only a slim one.
They would need to make up eight points on Chelsea. No easy task, when Jose Mourinho's team is in such imperious form. United have, at least, given themselves a chance. And if they're still in touch with the leaders in January, they should be seen as genuine title challengers.
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