A defiant Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has answered critics of his side’s performances by pointing out that his team would be top of the Premier League based on their form since November.

The Dutchman has come under scrutiny as United have put on a string of uncharacteristically subdued displays since taking over at Old Trafford, often relying on excellent goalkeeper David De Gea and snatching goals against the run of play to carve out results.

Van Gaal, who has tinkered with different formations and resorted to playing striker Wayne Rooney in midfield, defended the team’s lack of attacking verve by highlighting the results over the last four months.

“When you see the score of the last 19 or 20 matches, we are the best team in the league,” Van Gaal told a news conference ahead of his side’s visit to Swansea City today.

“I am never 100 per cent (happy). We can play better than we are now, but the main thing is to win games.

“We’ve shown our team spirit many times this season. It’s good for the fans and for me, as you see a player wants to follow you.”