Louis van Gaal has praised the spirit of his Manchester United squad after snatching a draw against Chelsea on Sunday and believes his team could have won the game.

Robin van Persie scored an injury-time equaliser for the Red Devils as they drew 1-1 with the Premier League leaders at Old Trafford.

The result came six days after Daley Blind scored in the 87th minute to salvage a 2-2 draw away at West Bromwich Albion and Van Gaal admits he is delighted with never-say-day attitude throughout his squad.

“The most pleasing thing is we are believing in making a goal even when the scoreline is bad,” Van Gaal said. “The players are running until the 90th minute to equalise or win.”

The Dutchman added: “Chelsea tried to kill the game but my boys ran and fought until the end and at the end we scored and deserved it.”

Manchester United created 19 opportunities during the game to Chelsea’s nine and, despite being pleased with the draw, Van Gaal is frustrated his team did not do more to take all three points.

“I’ve said to the players we could have won but we didn’t and that’s our fault,” he added. “When you can do that against the best team in this league at this moment it is a good sign.

“But I’m not pleased as I still have the feeling we could have won and that we don’t take our opportunities at the moment.

“I have seen that we could have beaten Chelsea. I’m saying that nearly every game but this is against Chelsea, who are a top team and we were at least equal.”

Manchester United are now 10 points behind Chelsea and find themselves eighth in the table after nine games. The Reds are priced at 25.00 to win the Premier League this season while Chelsea are 1.38.