The results are in: The Independent's readers believe Louis van Gaal's Manchester United are on course for a top-four finish

However, winning the Premier league title is a step too far this season

Louis van Gaal (GETTY IMAGES)

Louis van Gaal asked fans and journalists alike to judge him after three months at the helm of Manchester United, and after a promising if unspectacular start, that’s exactly what we asked you to do.

The Independent asked you to vote on how you feel Van Gaal has begun life at Old Trafford since taking over in July, as the club looks to bounce back from last season’s dismal campaign under David Moyes which saw them finish a shock seventh in the Premier League.

There were four options available to vote for: United can win the title, they’ll secure a top-four finish, it’s too early to tell so give Van Gaal more time, and it hasn’t been good enough so bring back Moyes.

The results below show a landslide victory, and for Van Gaal it will be a welcome sigh of relief as the United faithful believe the squad are on course to achieve this season’s target of a return to European football.

However, just 10 per cent of The Independent’s readers believe United are in a position to challenge for the Premier League title this season despite over £150m spent on reinforcing the squad.

The same number believe that Van Gaal has failed to live up to his high billing that surrounded his arrival in Manchester, and believe that the club were still wrong to get rid of Moyes so hastily.

With over half of you voting for the top-four, 26 per cent couldn’t make their mind up, and would favour giving Van Gaal more time before they decide whether he’s up to the task of being Manchester United manager – perhaps with one eye on the upcoming games against Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal that will provide a better example of where this United team currently find themselves.

United manager Louis van Gaal

The results were taken from 268 voters that took part in the poll on The Independent.