Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has claimed his side are the best team in the Premier League on current form.

The Old Trafford outfit sit third in the table, 12 points behind leaders Chelsea, and have been criticised for the quality of their performances, as well as their alleged 'long-ball' game.

However, Van Gaal has made the bold claim that they have been the best side in the English top flight in recent months.

"When you see the score of the last 19 or 20 matches, we are the best team in the league," Van Gaal told reporters on Friday.

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

"The spirit in the squad is fantastic. The players want to do everything for the team – that is important.

"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."

United are battling with Southampton, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool for a top-four finish this season to book a lucrative place in next season's Champions League.

The 20-time champions have won only 13 of their 25 league matches this season and have been criticsed for their direct style as they prepare to travel to Swansea on Saturday.

But Van Gaal insists his tactical changes confuse opponents and has promised to play a passing game at the Liberty Stadium.

He added: "I have seen when we change the system during the game that we always surprise our opponent and that’s why it’s also a good thing of our team, that we can change the system during matches.

"Of course, it is not always that we improve our game but mostly we have improved and won the match, so that’s important."

"Swansea are a very good team. I like to see them playing. They want to play football. They want to make the game a passing game like we do, so I like that kind of football. I hope it shall be a match like that on Saturday."

Van Gaal confirmed that Robin van Persie and Phil Jones are available following ankle and knee injuries respectively, with Michael Carrick the only absentee for the visitors.