Happy days have, for the time being at least, returned to Manchester United.
The Red Devils moved top of the Premier League for the first time since August 2013 after handily seeing off Sunderland 3-0 on Saturday.
Manchester City’s surprise defeat at the hands of Spurs earlier that day meant that United were guaranteed top spot for at least a week and Louis van Gaal celebrated by giving a boost to a member of the security staff at Old Trafford.
“I said to the security guy: ‘You are now a security guy of a club that top of the league’ and that makes a huge difference.
“Also for him. He is proud and I am proud.
“Last week it was the first time I was second. He was smiling.”
While visibly content, Louis van Gaal is realistic about the fickle nature of the Premier League and is not getting carried away with United’s tremendous start to the season.
“I know exactly where I stand,” he said. “I have said it before and six weeks ago and the same answers. We have a good team, but we can win and lose.
“Last season you asked: ‘Can you manage in England?’ I said I needed time and it’s the same.”
