The Dutchman took charge at Old Trafford last summer, but initially struggled to get United firing back into contention for trophies.
However, the Manchester giants have turned the corner in recent weeks, recording impressive back-to-back wins over Liverpool and Tottenham.
And following United's double over their Premier League top four rivals, Van Gaal has challenged his side to keep up their fine form.
“I think the players know everything about the philosophy but now they have to perform,” said Van Gaal.
“I was a slow player so I had to think very quickly. That's why I developed a tactical level that suits me now as a trainer coach."
Van Gaal compared his side's early struggles to adapt to his tactics with his own troubles in learning to drive in England.
“It's like somebody coming to England like Louis van Gaal who has to drive with the steering at the other side,” he told an MUTV documentary.
“You have to learn that. I could have forced many accidents, but I was fortunate I didn't do that. I was lucky but it was always going better, so I don't have to warn people in my neighbourhood.”
