Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says his side have no excuses in their bid for a top-four finish having finally adapted to his philosophy.

The Red Devils struggled in the early part of the season following the Dutchman’s arrival but have found their feet in recent weeks, losing just once in their last nine Premier League outings.

United’s run has seen them move up to fourth in the table, five points clear of their nearest rivals Liverpool with eight games remaining and they are now priced at 1.33 to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

However, with United still to play Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal before the end of the campaign their place in the top four is by no means guaranteed, despite the impressive upturn in fortune.

Van Gaal is not a man who suffers fools and the forthright Dutchman says that now his players have got to grips with his tactics, they cannot have any excuses if they fail to earn a place in Europe’s biggest club competition.

“I think the players know everything about the philosophy but now they have to perform,” he told MUTV. “I was a slow player so I had to think very quickly.

“That’s why I developed a tactical level that suits me now as a trainer coach.”

Next up for Van Gaal’s side is Saturday’s clash with struggling Aston Villa, a match they are 1.30 to win, with the draw 5.25 and the Villans priced at 10.00.