Gary Neville believes Manchester United could be a force to be reckoned with next season.

The Red Devils have slowly adjusted to life under the management of Louis van Gaal this term but former captain Neville feels the experiences of the Dutchman's debut campaign at OId Trafford will only benefit them down the track.

United sit third on the Premier League table, a point behind second-placed Arsenal and eight in arrears of leaders Chelsea, which is a deficit that could be turned around in 2015/16 according to Neville.

Neville said on Sky Sports: "Next season, [van Gaal] will look at games he's dropped points in in this season and will think because that level of performance has come now, they could win those games next season.

"I think the confidence will be growing in the camp. There are people in that dressing room who have won titles, and they'll get the feeling again that the performance levels and confidence is coming back.

"That's the first time Louis van Gaal, Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini have seen Old Trafford properly today in terms of an atmosphere.

"It's what Manchester United can create and that will give them enormous confidence. It always does when you win big matches."