Louis van Gaal: 'Manchester United can win Champions League this season'

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has insisted that his team are capable of winning the elusive Champions League crown this season.

The Red Devils, who last won the trophy in 2008 under former boss Sir Alex Ferguson, are back in the competition after being absent for a year due to failure to qualify.

United were beaten 2-1 by PSV Eindhoven in their opening Group B game earlier this month, but Van Gaal, who won the trophy with Ajax in 1995, is confident that he can transform the team into champions of Europe.

"I think we can [win it], because I've done it," Van Gaal told reporters. "It's not [just] quality but it's also luck. For me as a manager when you reach the final you have done fantastic."

English clubs have not fared well in the tournament so far, with Arsenal and Manchester City yet to get off the mark, while Chelsea suffered defeat to Porto last night.

United will take on Wolfsburg at Old Trafford this evening.