Louis van Gaal has endured a difficult start to life in the Premier League , but that has n't stopped the Manchester United boss from steering his side to crucial victories against the club 's closest rivals . The 2-1 victory against Liverpool on Sunday saw United leap to first spot in the head-to-head mini-table of the Premier League 's current top five . Van Gaal 's side have now earned 10 points from fives games against the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea with three games against the top five remaining . Juan Mata scored twice as Manchester United earned a 2-1 victory against Liverpool on Sunday . Louis van Gaal ( centre ) has an impressive record against the Premier League 's current top five . The mini-league will come as a small crumb of comfort for United fans as their side battle it out for a Champions League spot while the Old Trafford club 's transition under Van Gaal continues . The Dutch boss has certainly had his critics this season , but a Premier League double against Liverpool will do Van Gaal no harm in the eyes of the Red Devils faithful and a 2-1 victory against Arsenal at the Emirates in November is not to be sniffed at . United still have to play City ( H ) , Chelsea ( A ) and Arsenal ( H ) , but they look a different team to the one that struggled through the winter months . United players celebrate during the club 's 3-0 victory against Liverpool in December , 2014 . Van Gaal even hailed his team 's latest victory against top five opposition as one of the most important of his career . He said : 'Now the gap is five points ahead of Liverpool and six ahead of Tottenham and Southampton so the moment to win is one of the most important in my career . ' Liverpool sit rock of our mini-league having won just one of their six Premier League fixtures against the current top five . Brendan Rodgers looks on as Liverpool suffered a 2-1 defeat against rivals United . Liverpool have won just one of their six Premier League matches against the current top five . Rodgers ' side have also conceded a worrying 13 goals in those games following defeats against City , Chelsea and United . Liverpool had put themselves within touching distance of United after going on an unbeaten 13-match run that started after their 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford . The Reds still have time to improve their form against their nearest rivals , but face two tough away trip against Arsenal and Chelsea before the season is out .
Man United have won five points from 10 games against the top 10 . Louis van Gaal has impressive record against club 's nearest rivals . Liverpool are bottom of the head-to-head table with one win from six . Brendan Rodgers ' side face away trip to Arsenal and Chelsea .