Glenn Hoddle: 'Louis van Gaal will guide Manchester United to top-four finish'

Glenn Hoddle believes that Louis van Gaal can lead Manchester United to a top-four finish this season, despite their opening-day defeat to Swansea City.

United's struggles at Old Trafford continued as they slumped to a 2-1 loss to Garry Monk's side as the Dutchman's reign at the club got off to the worst possible start.

However, Hoddle is confident that the Red Devils will improve as they get used to Van Gaal's style of play and if they bring in new players.

He wrote in the Daily Mail: "After last weekend's defeat by Swansea, people are beginning to doubt him a little bit, not least his decision to switch to a back three, the system he played with Holland in the World Cup.

"The performance seemed like a re-run of last season. A year ago I did say that I thought United would be struggling to make the top four, because of the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.

"But, from what I've seen so far, as long as United do make a couple of signings, I think this season will be different. I'll stick my neck out and say Van Gaal will have them back in the top four again and qualifying for the Champions League; and that will probably be considered job done for the first season."

United face Sunderland in their Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light later today.