Louis van Gaal has admitted that Manchester United cannot afford to drop points to the likes of Aston Villa if they are to challenge for the title this season.

The Red Devils failed to make the most of 25 minutes with an extra man as they drew 1-1 at Villa Park, where Radamel Falcao cancelled out Christian Benteke's strike.

Van Gaal had earlier watched local rivals and champions Manchester City score three times in the second half to beat Crystal Palace and move level on points with Premier League leaders Chelsea.

The Dutchman has acknowledged that more results such as the one against Villa, which ended United's six-game winning streak, will see them fall behind the top two and drop out of title contention.

"When you want to be a part of the title race, you have to win these games," Van Gaal told reporters.

"I saw Manchester City's first half against Crystal Palace, they struggled but 3-0, that is the difference."

United are seven points behind City and Chelsea, who have a game in hand, in the table.