Louis van Gaal confident Manchester United will be better in 2015

Louis van Gaal has warned Premier League rivals that Manchester United will be better in 2015.

The Dutchman took the reins at Old Trafford after David Moyes was sacked earlier in April. He had a tough start to his United career as Red Devils gathered 13 points from 10 games.

However, United bounced back since their defeat at the hands of Manchester City and are unbeaten in the last nine matches played in the league. This has seen the 20-times English champions sit third in the league table with 36 points from 19 matches.

United have struggled with injuries as they are still without the services of Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind and Marouane Fellaini for the New Year's Day fixture against Stoke City.

Van Gaal believes United will be a team to watch when he has all the players available for the team selection.

"We are improving every week and we shall be better in 2015. Just watch. We are still in a process. I think the players understand the philosophy, and that's why we are improving - but we can improve more when we have all the players available," Van Gaal explained.

"I think the fans were fantastic because we were in a moment with 10 matches and 13 points - that is not good, I think more weak than good. They have supported us is because of the fighting spirit of my team."

"We were not always ahead in matches but they have fought to the end and a lot of times with good success, so I think we can be satisfied about the points now – 36."

"We are in our goal, I think. What I have already said, we are improving every week. We can see 2015 with open eyes," the United manager said.

Luke Shaw returned to the first team on Sunday after picking up an injury in the league clash against Arsenal in November. In addition to this, another summer signing Marcos Rojo has declared himself fit to face Stoke on Thursday.

With Shaw, Rojo and Rafael back in action, Van Gaal is likely to start with a four-man defence against Mark Hughes' side.