Skip to content

Premier League: Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal grateful to Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United Manager Louis van Gaal before kick-off at Old Trafford
Image: Louis van Gaal: Grateful to Sir Alex Ferguson

Louis van Gaal has revealed he feels under pressure to succeed at Manchester United to repay the support of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson has given his backing to van Gaal in recent interviews, claiming the United manager can restore the team to the heights which he attained in his 27 years as boss at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal's efforts in leading United into a top three position as the Premier League enters the Christmas period have been impressive and generated an air of bullish optimism at the club, not felt since Ferguson retired in 2013.

"It's fantastic," said van Gaal. "When you come to Manchester United, because I know Sir Alex, you hope that he will support you.

"And when he is supporting you, he is doing that not only this week but in other conferences he gave.

"He showed a lot of confidence and belief in me and you need that as a trainer-coach, as manager of Manchester United.

He showed a lot of confidence and belief in me.
Louis van Gaal on Sir Alex Ferguson

"You need that belief and support of managers like Sir Alex. I am very happy with that because then you can work more easily.

More from Man Utd V Newcastle

"But it's also pressure because he believes in you and that gives you that pressure that you have to get results. It's not so easy to win Premier League matches."

United, unbeaten in seven games, open their festive fixture list with a home clash against Newcastle on Boxing Day and van Gaal insists he has already succeeded in one of his primary aims - making Old Trafford a venue where other teams fear to play.

Since losing at home to Swansea on the opening day of the season, in his first competitive match in charge, United have won seven and drawn one of their eight games.

"I have said after the first loss against Swansea that it's a pity we came back from the United States and won everything and then lost our first match in the Premier League," said van Gaal.

"We want to build a fortress at Old Trafford and we have made that already because we have won a lot.

"I'm happy with that but then we have to continue because seven (wins) is too few I think.

"So we have to continue and that's the most difficult point because it's not easy to win games in the Premier League."

Around Sky