Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal accepts hierarchy's top three Premier League target

Red Devils boss is still searching for his first victory with the Old Trafford club

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal (centre) with his new signings Radamel Falcao (left) and Daley Blind during a photocall at Old Trafford (PA)

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes that a top three Premier League finish is a realistic target after executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward revealed the club's aspirations earlier this week.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich head coach has endured a tough start to life in English football but has been boosted by the arrivals of Angel di Maria, Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao.

United will be hoping to gain their first victory of the season against newly-promoted Queens Park Rangers tomorrow afternoon despite having nine players out with injury.

Woodward, who facilitated this summer's spending spree, has set van Gaal the target of finishing in the top three and the 63-year-old has no problem with the club revealing their ambitions.

"I don't think it is an unreasonable target," the Dutchman said yesterday.

"A club like Manchester United has to put targets. I also put targets but the top three, it is logical because Manchester United wants to be in the Champions League."

Phil Jones, who was injured during England's 2-0 win over Switzerland last week, joins an ever-lengthening list of players on the Red Devils' injury list and is now a doubt for the matches against San Marino and Estonia in October.

"Jones is maybe three weeks to a month," van Gaal continued.

"We have done very well in the transfer period. In spite of us not playing in the Champions League, players are coming to Manchester United.

"That is a big plus. But we also have to produce the results - and we have to start on Sunday against Queens Park Rangers."