Louis van Gaal is 'disrespecting' Ryan Giggs and 'mistreating' Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria

Former Netherlands international Wim van Hanegem launches attack on Manchester United manager

Louis van Gaal jokes during the win over Newcastle (GETTY IMAGES)

Louis van Gaal has been accused of showing disrespect to his assistant Ryan Giggs and mistreating struggling Manchester United duo Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria.

Wim van Hanegem, one of the most respected figures in Dutch football and a member of the side that reached the 1974 World Cup final, laid into his fellow countryman at a time when pressure is mounting at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal's hopes of claiming a trophy in his maiden season at Manchester United were dashed earlier this week when they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Arsenal. The defeat came as little surprise considering the concerning form of the team in recent weeks.

In his exclusive column for The Independent, Paul Scholes questioned if Van Gaal's system is right for the players he has at his disposal. Among those that have struggled this term are the two marquee signings of the summer - Falcao and Di Maria. Van Hanegem has suggested Van Gaal is mistreating the pair.

“Falcao has proven over the past few years that he is one of the best strikers in the world. But at United he is being treated as if he was signed from an old fourth division club," Van Hanegem is quoted as saying in the Mirror.

“Sometimes he’s allowed to play a few minutes, sometimes he is allowed to start, other times he sits 90 minutes on the bench, or even worse, in the stands.

“I can see there are more players not happy at United. Di Maria was one of the most important links in the chain at Real Madrid. In the World Cup he was the best player in the Argentina side. But at United he hasn’t been able to pass a ball over more than 25 yards most times.”

Radamel Falcao has scored just four goals for United (GETTY IMAGES)

Van Hanegem also suggested Van Gaal is being disrespectful to assistant Giggs. During the recent win over Newcastle, the former United player remained stoney-faced after Ashley Young's late winner whilst Van Gaal was unable to contain his delight. The contrasting reactions led to suggestions the pair are not seeing eye-to-eye, something Van Gaal denies is the case.

“What I hate to see is how Van Gaal is treating Ryan Giggs. Louis has more attention for the other geezer next to him. But Louis forgets that we are talking here about Ryan Giggs.

“Louis has played for Telstar, FC Antwerp and Sparta Rotterdam. Giggs was a giant as a player. He deserves more respect than this."

An alternative XI Van Gaal could play this weekend...

Manchester United take on Tottenham on Sunday in a fixture that could be key to who finishes in the top four - Van Gaal's only remaining target for the season.