Manchester United legend Sammy McIlroy believes the fact that Louis van Gaal's side enjoyed 70 per cent possession at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea bodes well for the future.
The Red Devils dominated the match on Sunday against Jose Mourinho's men, but slipped to a 1-0 defeat after Chelsea scored and then dropped deep to defend their advantage.
The defeat all but ends Manchester United's slim Premier League title hopes, but former Red Devil McIlroy is full of hope for the future now Van Gaal's possession-based style of play has taken hold at Old Trafford.
The 60-year-old lauded Manchester United's performance away at Chelsea and told MUTV: "When do you see a team go to Stamford Bridge and have 70 per cent possession?
"We came away with nothing and that's why the manager is disappointed.
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"But it bodes well for the future. He's getting his squad and his system together and it's looking good for next season."
And McIlroy believes that even though Chelsea are set to win the title this season, Manchester United are already well placed to snatch it back next term.
Indeed, looking towards Van Gaal making summer signings to improve the squad, McIlroy is optimistic that Chelsea can be taken on.
"The performance, with players missing, shows what a decent squad we've got.
"This squad will get better for the experience of this season and Louis van Gaal will improve it in the summer, so I think we'll be challenging Chelsea to get that title back."
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