Louis van Gaal has assured Manchester United's owners they will be title challengers next season.

The People says Van Gaal met with United's American owners Bryan, Avram and Joel Glazer during one of their infrequent mid-season trips to Old Trafford to see the 3-1 win over Burnley.

Van Gaal didn't leave the stadium to head home to his Cheshire apartment until 3am after becoming engrossed in talks about his own future - and United's.

Van Gaal and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward discussed targets such as Roma's Dutch midfielder Kevin Strootman, Wolfsburg's Kevin de Bruyne and Borussia Dortmund duo Mats Hummels and Ilkay Gundogan.

And the Dutchman mapped his plans for next season, insisting he would have United in better shape to fight for the title with powerhouses Chelsea and Manchester City.