Louis van Gaal fires warning to rivals that Manchester United will get better

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has warned his rivals that his team will pose a threat because they are already in the top four of the Premier League, despite not being in their best form.

The Red Devils, who finished seventh under former manager David Moyes last season, moved into fourth in the league table after Sunday's 2-1 victory over Everton at Old Trafford.

Despite the win, Van Gaal has conceded that his side need to do better after goalkeeper David de Gea came to the rescue on more than one occasion to deny Everton a late equaliser.

"I've already told my players we aren't playing good and we've already hit the top four, so what will happen when we're playing well?" Van Gaal told reporters.

"I mean playing well for 90 minutes, because we've played well for half a game or 60 minutes. That needs time. I'm afraid to say it again, but you saw it."

After the international break, United, who are without suspended Wayne Rooney for the next two games, will take on West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on October 20.