Louis van Gaal 'blames Paul Scholes' and Manchester United legends for putting pressure on him

Dutchman angry with constant criticism

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal (Getty)

Louis van Gaal will hold former Manchester United players including Paul Scholes partly responsible if he loses his job.

As the Dutchman prepares his side for their final match of the season against Bournemouth, which if they win and Manchester City lose to Swansea will see the Red Devils qualify for the Champions League, he spoke about his anger at the criticism he's received from club legends.

“Of course all this speculation about my future for six months makes me angry. I have shown that many, many times," he said.

“You are asking and you know already my answer! It’s rhetorical, I think.

"I have shown that and I am an open book for everybody.

“I have said that, but in spite of the attacks of the media - and not only the media, the legends and other kinds of people - I am here and I am fighting.

“And I believe in myself. I believe in Manchester United. I believe in the players.

"I hope that everybody is believing like me, then it is much more easier.”

Paul Scholes with Ryan Giggs (GETTY IMAGES)

The reference to "the legends" is understood to be a thinly veiled attack on Scholes who has been the most vocal of the club's players-turned-pundits in criticising Van Gaal.

It's reported that Van Gaal feels sections of Manchester United's support have been turned against him by Scholes, which has made his job more difficult and increased speculation that he could be sacked.

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward must make a decision on whether to stick with Van Gaal, who could end the season by winning the FA Cup, or fire him a year before the end of his contract. If Van Gaal does leave, Jose Mourinho is the favourite to take over as manager at Old Trafford.