Manchester United Manager Louis is still targeting a top-three Premier League finish for his side, and feels their 4-0 win over QPR on Sunday sets them on the right trajectory.
QPR were, admittedly, weak opposition and far tougher tests lie ahead but Van Gaal was a happy man after overseeing his team's first win of the season.
"When you have a result of 4-0, then you can be happy as a coach, but you always have points you can improve," he told reporters.
"We have always to analyse what we have done. The result is fantastic but we can get much better.
"I said 'let's make a new start today'."
It certainly felt like a new start after months of misery for United who enjoyed a trophy-laden 20-year spell under Alex Ferguson's management before last season's dismal seventh-place finish with David Moyes at the helm.
Angel di Maria opened the scoring with a free kick from out wide, Wayne Rooney teed up Ander Herrera for his first United goal and the England forward's crisp shot put United 3-0 up at halftime.
Juan Mata added a fourth before Old Trafford rose to acclaim the introduction of substitute Radamel Falcao for another much-anticipated debut.
The Colombian striker showed his predatory instincts when he latched on to a rebound after Daley Blind's powerful shot was parried by Rob Green but his effort was well saved by the goalkeeper.
"My teams are always focused on attack, but it is not our focus - that is to be in the first three," Van Gaal said.
"The most important thing is the trajectory."
After the misery of Moyes's reign, United fans will relish their manager's confidence.
The victory over QPR lifted United into the top half of the table after four matches and the next two games are away to Leicester City and home to West Ham United.
If Van Gaal can maintain his team's upward trajectory, they will be in good shape for the much harder challenges that lie ahead.
United fans will have delighted in an exuberant attacking display, inspired by Di Maria, but will have have been equally happy to watch an outstanding debut performance by Blind.
The versatile Dutchman played a disciplined midfield holding role, protecting his defenders and seamlessly controlling possession with clever movement and a stream of accurate short passes.
Blind's industry and calming influence provided a solid platform from which to unleash the flair of Di Maria, Mata and Rooney.
His performance will have repaid the faith and confidence shown in him by United boss Louis van Gaal.
"He is a player who can see situations in advance," Van Gaal had told Manchester United television before the game.
"He can always pass to the free player and when he doesn't have the ball, he knows when he has to press the opponent. That's a very good ability to have.
"I like him as a defensive midfielder, but he can also play in central defence or at left full back. He can run for 90 minutes too and is always fit. That's another very good quality for a player."
