Louis van Gaal
Louis van Gaal Getty

Louis van Gaal believes Manchester United can still go on to win the Premier League title this season.

The 20-time English champions are without a win after the first three league matches as they are 14th in the league table with two points.

United are seven points behind leaders Chelsea. The Red Devils' executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has set Van Gaal a target of finishing in the top three for the Old Trafford club.

United spent over £150m in the transfer window and have strengthened their squad by adding Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao. The Dutchman believes the target set by Woodward is not "unreasonable".

"Yes it is always possible [for United to win the title this season]. Because we have to play a lot matches and we are not so much behind," Van Gaal explained.

"We have spoken about the target when we have had meetings and I think a club like Manchester United has to have targets. I also have targets so I don't think it's an unreasonable target."

"That it shall be difficult? That is another question but a club such as Manchester United has to always have a target. Within the top three, I think is logical perhaps because Manchester United wants to be in the Champions League," he added.

United finished seventh in the league last season and their poor form under David Moyes has seen them miss out on the Champions League this campaign.

Van Gaal's priority is to help his side return to Europe's elite club competition by finishing in the top four this season.

Meanwhile, Queens Park Rangers make a trip to Old Trafford for the league clash on Sunday. Van Gaal will be without the services of nine players due to injury, while Shaw, Blind, Rojo and Falcao could all set for their United debut against Harry Redknapp's side.

United defender Phil Jones picked up a hamstring injury during England's 2-0 victory over Switzerland and Van Gaal confirmed he could be the sidelines for a month.

The centre-back now joins Chris Smalling, Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini, Ashley Young, Jesse Lingard, James Wilson, Sam Johnstone and Reece James on the treatment table.