Former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson believes that the club are in a much better state under Louis van Gaal, despite being on the same points as they were last season under failed manager David Moyes.

The Scotsman was sacked by the Red Devils less than 10 months into his career at Old Trafford last April, and his successor Van Gaal has failed to accumulate more points at this stage of the season.

United, who have 37 points after 21 games, dropped to fourth on Sunday following a 1-0 defeat to Southampton on home turf.

"I have watched what Louis van Gaal is doing and I feel we are improving," Robson told the Manchester Evening News. "Despite having the same points tally, I think we have improved from where we were last year.

"We have to make sure we are in the Champions League again and if we do that then it will have been a great season."

Prior to Sunday's defeat, United, who finished seventh last season, were unbeaten in 10 league games.