Manchester United players unhappy with Louis van Gaal's strict 'supper club' meetings before games

Reports suggest the players morale is suffering at Old Trafford

Louis van Gaal looks on from his dugout (Reuters)

Manchester United players are unhappy with manager Louis van Gaal's "supper club" routine in the build-up to matches, it has been reported.

The Daily Mail have reported that players are complaining about Van Gaal's matchday schedule, which involves the squad taking part in lengthy meetings.

Under Van Gaal's predecessors David Moyes and Sir Alex Ferguson, it is reported in the article that the squad would have free time after dinner the night before a game, but now they have to attend meetings "lasting several hours" at the team hotel before gathering for a 10pm supper of cereal and toast.

A United source was quoted in the Daily Mail: "There’s no fun, no banter - just lots of meetings. The body language of the players isn’t right, and there’s no expression when they go out to play."

The manager's strict routine is reportedly affecting the morale of his players. Back in February it was reported that senior players Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick had approached him because they had concerns about dressing-room morale.