Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has said that his intention at Old Trafford is to build a squad for the future, as reported by ManUtd.com.

Van Gaal struggled in the opening fixtures of the season, taking only 13 points from his first 11 games, and there were questions about whether he was the right fit for the club.

Initial form suggested that he would struggle to improve on the seventh place finish that David Moyes managed last season during his solitary year in charge.

However, since then, the situation has changed hugely for the Red Devils.

They won six games on the bounce, and sit third in the Premier League after the tough festive period.

Players like Radamel Falcao have also come to the fore, having initially struggled with injury.

Van Gaal believes there is still room for improvement in his side, but also feels as though they are in the midst of building something exciting.

“The first feeling I had was especially after 11 matches, when we had 13 points, and I came into the stadium walking and I thought now the fans shall not be pleased,” he said.

“But they were rising up and clapping their hands when I entered the stadium.

“I felt not so happy myself because I was responsible and guilty for the results so I am very happy we won a number of matches in a row [after then]. [Also] I have had the time to know all my players and they are very good. It’s an exciting time and it’s why I became a manager – because I want to work with young people; it keeps you young, and you can make a team out of it.

“We are still building up a process. I think, as a trainer/coach and manager, that I have to analyse the performances of my players because that is the most important thing and that shows how far we are in the process. That is still not good enough, in my opinion, but I hope we shall improve.”

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has ruled his side out of the Premier League title race after seeing his side held to a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa.

Villa went ahead in the game through Christian Benteke, but conceded in the second half, with Radamel Falcao scoring on his return to the first team.

The midlands club also had Gabi Agbonlahor sent off during the second half, but went on to secure a point.

It was the first game that Man Utd have not won for six, and that run had seen them close in on the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea at the top of the table.

Van Gaal has been given the aim of finishing in the top three in the league this season by the club’s hierarchy.

They are insistent that they return to the Champions League after missing out last season under David Moyes.

Van Gaal believes a title challenge is a step too far however, and told the press: “We dropped two points. We were the better team and that’s frustrating when you’re the better team and you don’t win these kind of games.

“When you want to be a part of the title race you have to win these games.

“I have seen Manchester City in the first half against Crystal Palace and they could have been behind in the first five or 10 minutes.

“They struggled until half time but at the end it is 3-0, that’s the difference.

“We weren’t so aggressive in the first half as we are usually. We kept the ball much better but didn’t create so much because we were not looking for the forwards.

“It was not good enough to catch the victory here.

“We were not creative enough in the second half but we had more aggression so that was the plus.

“We have a draw and that’s why I’m a little frustrated because you could have won the game in my opinion. We didn’t do it but we were responsible for that.”

Our verdict

Man Utd should focus on securing a Champions League place before any sort of title push. They could still drop out of contention if they don’t carry on their recent good form.