Louis van Gaal has endured a difficult start to life in the Premier League, but that hasn'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 10 points from five games against the top five . 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 .