United had been touted as potential title challengers during their 11-match unbeaten run over the Christmas period but are now 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.

Despite controlling much of the proceedings at Old Trafford, United failed to register a single shot on target, with Dusan Tadic’s well-taken effort enough to secure victory for Ronald Koeman’s high-flying Saints.

A gruelling three games in six days over Christmas/New Year, highlighting strengths and exposing weaknesses in any squad, showed up United despite Louis van Gaal’s big ambitions at the club.

Louis van Gaal has been touted as having turned the corner during his side’s ongoing 11-match unbeaten run, and there has even been increasing talk of a possible title challenge, yet his record is arguably worse than Moyes’ and comes on the back of an unprecedented summer spending spree.

After 20 league games, all that separates Chelsea and Manchester City at the top of the league is a handful of letters. A huge if it may be, but IF it stayed this way after 38 games then the title would be decided by way of a play-off.

The three-times European champions are in the midst of an 11-match unbeaten run and the former Barcelona manager wants his side to keep improving.

Former Barcelona ‘keeper Victor Valdes joined United this week having trained with Louis van Gaal’s side since October after leaving the Catalan giants in June last year.

The three-time Champions League winner, who has trained with United while recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, is thought to have agreed an 18 month deal at Old Trafford.

The Colombian forward, 28, arrived at the 20-time league champions in a big-money loan switch from French principality club Monaco in September last year in a major move by Louis van Gaal.

Louis van Gaal’s men, now unbeaten in nine Premier League fixtures, could only wrestle a draw from Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday, despite having confidently dispatched Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

Robin van Persie scored the third as Louis van Gaal’s men dominated Newcastle 3-1 to extend their unbeaten run to eight games.