Victory over West Ham on Monday saw Manchester United start their New Year with a celebration, making their top four chances a real possibility come the end of May.

Jose Mourinho masterminded his team's victory at the London Stadium with some inspired substitutions, Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford proving the difference from the bench - but where does that win leave their top four aspirations?

To guarantee the Red Devils finish inside the much coveted Champions League qualification positions, the club must continue making strides on and off the pitch over the course of the next few months.

Throughout his entire Premier League career, Jose Mourinho has never finished outside the top four when managing to last a full season at a club,  but will this record continue during his first year in the Old Trafford hot seat?

To ensure that impressive feat remains in tact, United must guarantee these THREE things occur.

Win more games against title rivals

In games against the current top four and United's potential title rivals, the Red Devils have won just one of five - with three being played at Old Trafford.

Defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea have occurred while draws with Arsenal and Liverpool show how United must improve this record to have any chance of finishing in the heavily competitive top four.

Victories over their rivals could ultimately decide who plays Champions League football next season.

Strengthen in January

Britain Football Soccer - West Ham United v Manchester United - Premier League - London Stadium - 2/1/17 Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho celebrates Reuters / Eddie Keogh Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.

During the summer transfer window, United spent well to guarantee the side's progression from a disappointing 2015/16 campaign.

Nonetheless, for the Red Devils to continue their progress over the coming months, Jose Mourinho must demand more funds to strengthen in the January window.

Players like Marouane Fellaini, and Marcus Rojo are not players good enough to match United's grand ambitions.

Guarantee Zlatan Ibrahimovic remains fit

Britain Football Soccer - West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League - The Hawthorns - 17/12/16 Manchester United's Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates scoring their second goal  Reuters / Phil Noble Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account represe

Where would Manchester United be without the goals of Zlatan Ibrahimovic?

The Swedish striker has scored 18 goals for the Red Devils this campaign and any chance of securing a top-four spot rests solely on the shoulders of the former PSG forward.

Despite being 35-years-old, Ibrahimovic has shown no signs of ageing in the Premier League as he continues to be a nuisance for opposition defenders on a regular basis.