Van Gaal has endured an indifferent start to his reign at Old Trafford but United have now climbed to fourth in the Premier League table with 2-1 victories over West Ham and Everton.

The Dutchman remains confident in his ability to instil a winning philosophy, although he wants a more rounded performance against West Brom.

He said: "I think they do understand the philosophy but they have to perform that philosophy. We have to see if it is going at a higher level because I think we need more balance in the team. I said that after the match against Everton.

"I'm not looking only for spectacular attacking football but also when you lose the ball, that you have a shape as a team and can defend more easily to kill the game better. That's also a part of the philosophy.

"I'm always choosing more creative attacking football players so we are looking for that balance.

"I don't think that we are in balance now. I am sorry to say that, but it is the truth. We are moving forward in training sessions, though, and evaluating those sessions. I hope that we shall improve. We shall see if the time that I have had is long enough."

The 63-year-old has confidence in his own ability, but he accepts expressing that faith in himself could come across as arrogance.

"When I respond, then I'm arrogant because normally I'm moving in the right direction and have shown that already. So how am I supposed to respond?" he said. "I have confidence in myself and in my players and I think that is important but much more important is that the players have confidence in the manager and his staff."