MANCHESTER, United Kingdom: Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal insisted on Friday that he can handle the mounting criticism of his tactics and team selections.
Van Gaal has come under fire for using captain Wayne Rooney in midfield instead of in his preferred position as a central striker and the Dutchman has also been slammed for using a long-ball gameplan at a club famed for its commitment to entertaining football. Former United midfielder Paul Scholes this week said watching United this season has been a ‘miserable’ experience because of their style of play.
But Van Gaal was adamant the criticism hasn’t affected him.
“I don’t worry about it, it’s not so interesting,” Van Gaal said.
“I think because he (Paul Scholes) is one of the fans, I hope, and he can criticise. Fans can criticise, and that’s not a problem.
“That’s what I have to say about that. I am used to it and I think all the players are used to it because they are not first-time professional football players.” — AFP