Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes that his team are in contention to be crowned Premier League champions by the end of the season.

The Red Devils fell from first to seventh last season under Sir Alex Ferguson's successor David Moyes, which prompted the club to replace the ex-Everton boss with Van Gaal.

The Dutchman led the Netherlands to third place at the World Cup in Brazil earlier this summer, but is yet to win a competitive fixture with United having recorded one defeat, one draw and an exit from the Capital One Cup.

"We can be the champions in my frist year, yes," Van Gaal said in his weekly press conference. "Maybe you shall laugh. Also in my former clubs I have started like this - it's not big news or different.

"As a manager you have to survive because nowadays the fans are asking for results and that's the question - 'can I receive enough time to do all the steps we have to do?' Maybe you can support Louis van Gaal when you believe in him."

United will take on Burnley at Turf Moor tomorrow.