Manager Louis van Gaal believes the positive team spirit at Manchester United is proof that his players have bought into his philosophy since he arrived last summer.

The Dutchman has praised a run of form that has seen United lose just once in 19 games and climb to third in the table ahead of their trip to Swansea.

Van Gaal believes the current run of form makes United one of the best sides in the division.

“When you see the scores of the last 19 or 20 matches we are the best team in the league. So that is why I think confidence is also high like it was at the beginning,” he said referring to the positive mood in the camp during pre-season.

United are priced at 2.05 to avenge their season-opening defeat to Swansea on Saturday afternoon, with the home side on offer at 3.75 to complete the double while the draw is at 3.12.

Van Gaal has been impressed by Garry Monk’s team and is expecting an entertaining affair.

“Swansea are a very good team, I like to see them playing,” he said.

“They want to play football. They want to make the game a passing game like we do, so I like that kind of football.”

The United boss will be hoping the returning Robin van Persie can continue his recent love affair with the Liberty Stadium. The striker missed the FA Cup win at Preston on Monday but should return at a ground where he has scored three times on his last three visits.