Van Gaal needed time to settle at Manchester United - Kluivert

The new boss won just one of his first six competitive games in charge, but has now recorded back-to-back victories to guide his team into the Champions League places

Patrick Kluivert is not surprised by Manchester United's improved form, but admits Louis van Gaal was always going to take time to settle.

United recorded just one victory from their first six games of the season - including a 4-0 loss to MK Dons and a 5-3 defeat to Leicester City - but have now secured back-to-back wins to move into the top four.

The club spent over €190 million during the summer - with the likes of Angel Di Maria, Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera arriving - and Kluivert feels United can now challenge for the title

"[Van Gaal] came a little bit later from the World Cup and going directly to a new club, with new personnel, new players, it needs time," Kluivert told reporters.

"The last two results were positive and if you have positive results it flows back on the team.

"I think that's the most important thing. So I think the people don't have to be scared that Manchester United is not going to do well.

"City and Chelsea and a few more [teams] have a good squad. They're doing very good at the moment but there's still a long way to go.

"But sure [they] can be a contender to be the champions. It will be very difficult but it's possible."

When pressed on his future, Kluivert - who has been linked with a managerial post in England - said his ambition is now "to be a head coach somewhere".

Epl 09:13