Van Gaal admits he was 'stupid' to give Three-month judgement period at Old Trafford

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal admits he was "stupid" to invite people to analyse his reign after three months at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal, 63, has blamed himself for putting a time frame in the minds of the media and fans over when his team would be at their best, and now believes it may take a little longer.

After being unveiled as United boss in July, Van Gaal claimed that it would take three months in order to get the club back on track after a disastrous 2013-14 campaign under David Moyes.

Manchester United lies sixth in the Premier League ahead of their clash with West Brom tonight.

"It was very stupid to say three months because then the media are only talking about three months," said Van Gaal.

He is keen to be judged on performances rather than points after flawed wins over West Ham and Everton in recent weeks.

"It is always the performance that counts, but the performance always goes up and down," he said.

"Against Everton we could not say it was very good. The first 60 minutes, maybe, but a game lasts 90 minutes.

"I don't think points are very important in the process. It's the game, it's the style, it's the formation, it's the philosophy that we have to judge and not the points.

"The points are coming when we are playing good, and not only good for 60 minutes, but 90 minutes."