Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes that finishing third in the Premier League would represent a successful season following the turmoil in the 2013-14 campaign.
The Dutchman took over as coach last summer, replacing David Moyes, who spent less than 10 months in the job after United slipped to seventh in the table.
Following an impressive run of five consecutive wins in the league, the Red Devils are third in the standings, one point above local rivals Manchester City.
Van Gaal's side are eight points away from leaders Chelsea, but the 63-year-old believes that reaching the club's main objective of Champions League football is enough.
"When you win, the third place is now reachable, which months ago you all said was impossible," Van Gaal told reporters in this afternoon's press conference. "If we finish third, we are securely in the Champions League and one place better than our aims."
This Sunday, United will take on City at Old Trafford.
Danielle Joynson
