After ruling his side out of the title race following last weekend’s victory over Liverpool, Louis van Gaal admitted on Saturday that Manchester United are not good enough to win the Premier League.

The Dutchman was left frustrated after his side’s 1-1 draw away at Aston Villa which denied them a seventh consecutive win in the league.

The visitors fell behind to a sublime first-half strike from Christian Benteke before Radamel Falcao headed them level after the break.

Villa were reduced to 10 men after Gabriel Agbonlahor was sent off for the first time in his career for a tackle on Ashley Young.

But United couldn’t find a winner and remain third in the league, seven points behind leaders Chelsea who have a game in hand.

“We dropped two points. We were the better team I think and that’s frustrating when you are the better team and you don’t win these types of games,” said van Gaal.

“When you want to be a part of the title race then you have to win these games.

“Ok, we have a draw and that is why I’m a little bit frustrated because we could have won this game in my opinion. We didn’t do it and we are responsible for that.” 

And when asked if he thought his side could mount a challenge for the title, van Gaal said: “No because you have seen you have to win these matches and we didn’t win. But there is still a long way to go and Chelsea have to go to Stoke City (tonight) and that’s not so easy.”

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert was pleased with the draw and was quick to praise his side’s performance.

“I thought we were excellent considering everything that went against us,” said Lambert.

“Seven lads out through injury, suspension and Tom (Cleverley) being ineligible for the game. 

“You look at our bench — it was like a kindergarten on that bench.”

But the Scotsman was left scratching his head following the dismissal of Agbonlahor. 

He said: “If that’s a red card then you might as well pack up. I spoke to Brad Guzan after the game and he tells me that Ashley Young admitted that he had fouled Gabby.

“I could understand Kieran Richardson getting sent off last week (against West Brom) but today’s was not a red card.”