Manchester United not the best team in the league over the last 20 games, despite Louis van Gaal claims

Contrary to Louis van Gaal's comments on Friday morning, Manchester United have not been the best Premier League team over the last 20 games.

United have suffered just one defeat since their derby loss to Manchester City at the beginning of November and currently sit third in the table, five points off Manuel Pellegrini's side.

"When you see the score of the last 19 or 20 matches, we are the best team in the league," van Gaal told reporters ahead of Saturday's visit to Swansea City.

But a look over the results of each side around United over that time period – taking into account league results only – United still trail league leaders Chelsea by four points and City by two.

United have amassed 42 points from their last 20 games, recording six draws and 12 wins having lost twice.

United's efforts to maintain pace with the top two suffered during the festive period when they drew games with Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City before the home defeat to Southampton in January.

Despite suffering their first defeat of the season to Newcastle United in January, Chelsea have recorded the best tally, taking 46 points from the same number of games which has ensured their lead at the top of the table.

City have also recorded a better points tally of 44, having won one more game than United in that period.

Van Gaal's side do boast a far better tally than the sides they are challenging for a top four spot, however.

Arsenal's defeats to Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton, Stoke City, Swansea City and United leave them with 36 points from their last 20 games. Southampton have an identical record, as do Liverpool, largely thanks to their undefeated league streak which stretches back to mid-December.