Louis van Gaal says he is proud to have steered his Manchester United side to the top of the Premier League and he expects them to continue improving in October.

Victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday, coupled with Manchester City’s heavy reverse at Tottenham, meant the Red Devils moved to the top of the Premier League pile for the first time under Van Gaal’s stewardship.

“I am proud, of course,” Van Gaal said. “I said to the security guy: ‘You are now a security guy of a club that is top of the league’ and that makes a huge difference. Also for him – he is proud and I am proud.

“Last week it was the first time I was second. He was smiling.”

Van Gaal takes his side to the Emirates this weekend to face Arsenal while they also tackle Everton and Manchester City during October.

The United boss feels his young team will continue to improve but he does not see the next month as defining their season.

“I know exactly where I stand,” he added. “We have a good team, but we can win and lose.

You need luck but the balance of the team is better than last season.

“I don’t have to wait until October. We shall improve every week, yes.”

United have won five of their opening seven Premier League games, with the only setback coming in a 2-1 reverse at Swansea.

The Red Devils are 5.50 to win the Premier League this season while Manuel Pellegrini’s City side are 1.83.