Van Gaal: Fan expectations do not help the players

Matt Stead

Louis van Gaal feels his position as Manchester United manager has been undermined by some underhand tactics employed by the media.

Van Gaal, who was speaking at the club’s end of season awards, suggested reports he could be sacked this season have seriously undermined credibility with his United players.

He said: “I’m a coach, a manager who would rather have some authority but every day the players can read it, what do you think about my authority as well? What do you think about the way they want to follow my advice when the coach is shown like a nobody?

“And I am not what the media is writing because I am very arrogant, because I am one of the best managers in the world.”

Van Gaal, who will lead his side out for this month’s FA Cup final at Wembley, also insisted expectations at the club are too high with the club in a ‘period of transition’.

“I am happy to give the fans a final. The expectations are too high. We are in a period of transition. The players feel that. It’s not so easy.”