Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes that a top-four place should be the minimum expectation for Manchester United.
The Red Devils have invested heavily in the transfer market over the last two windows, and, with no European commitments, Carragher expects them to find their way back into the top four by Christmas.
"A lot of money has been spent at Manchester United, even under David Moyes with the arrival of Juan Mata in January and then Van Gaal in the summer," Carragher told Sky Sports News.
"There's a lot of top players there so, considering they have had no European commitments, for them to be in the top four around Christmas would be the minimum you would expect.
"They've got the advantage that Liverpool had last season in having no European football."
Van Gaal is thought to have more funds available this January, with Southampton's Nathanial Clyne just one of a number of reported targets.
Phil Archbold
