text: Louis van Gaal says Manchester United can still win the Barclays Premier League, even though his side sit eight points behind leaders Chelsea having played a game more going into the run-in. Van Gaal also admitted that Marouane Fellaini has become almost undroppable, given his performances in United's recent run of form. Victory over Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday would put some pressure on neighbours Manchester City - currently second - who don't play until Monday at Crystal Palace. Louis van Gaal says Manchester United can still win the Barclays Premier League at this late stage in the race . Van Gaal also admitted that Marouane Fellaini's recent performances have made him almost undroppable . United currently sit fourth in the Premier League but they could rise or fall depending on their run-in form . Van Gaal - who confirmed that Robin van Persie is still injured - said: 'There is still a rat race (for fourth) that Liverpool and Tottenham are involved in. 'We have given them a blow but we still have to play the top three teams. 'A lot can happen. Still we can win the title, mathematically. We can do that.' While Van Gaal says United are mathematically in the title race, he says the top-four battle is not over either . Fellaini has been in excellent form for his club and country of late in a string excellent results . Fellaini is expected to start against Aston Villa in the Barclays Premier League after coming to the fore under Van Gaal this season. And the United manager revealed that Fellaini has emerged as one of his most valuable players as he urged his squad to aim high between now and the end of the season. 'I cannot change Fellaini given the way he is playing at the moment,' said Van Gaal. The powerful Belgian has played all over midfield and Van Gaal has praised his attitude under his guidance . Fellaini is congratulated by Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney after scoring against Tottenham last month . 'I had heard a lot of stories about him before I met him here but from the first training session he did everything I asked. 'He was open and wanting to perform well so I am not surprised. 'He has been unlucky with injuries and illness but when he has been fit he has always played for me.' Van Gaal  confirmed that Robin van Persie is still injured and said he is not ready to return to the first team . Dutch striker Van Persie has suffered from an ankle injury and is yet to reach match fitness . It was expected Van Persie would return this weekend from his ankle injury but Van Gaal said he is still not match fit. 'We have a process,' Van Gaal said. 'He has to go to the final football coach before he comes into my group and he is not there yet. He is still not in my group.'
target: Louis van Gaal says Manchester United are  in race for the Premier League .
  Dutch boss reserved special praise for Marouane Fellaini's recent form .
  He says that the Belgian midfielder has made himself almost undroppable .
  United are eight points behind Chelsea having played a game more .
  Van Gaal's charges face Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday at 3pm .
  Robin van Persie is still not fit enough to play at the weekend .