Manchester United vs. Liverpool: Key Takeaways from Louis Van Gaal's Presser

Louis van Gaal responded to criticism from Gary Neville and Mike Phelan during his press conference ahead of Manchester United's match against rivals Liverpool, claiming the duo are outsiders to the club and their criticism is not based on facts. ESPN FC's Ben Dinnery shared his comments:

Neville, a Sky Sports pundit, made several jokes regarding Van Gaal on air, while Phelan questioned his training methods in an interview with the International Business Times' Gareth Platt and Nick Howson.

When asked about Phelan's comments, Van Gaal dismissed the former club assistant's accusations, per the Mirror's David McDonnell:

"

I am not looking to the English TV so I am only concerned with expressions by you.

I do not like that somebody who is living outside of the community of Manchester United can say how we are doing.

It is based on no facts. I analyse everything when it is based on facts.

"

He also believed his players were not getting nearly enough credit for their five-match winning streak, per the club's official Twitter feed:

Reporters tried several times to change the topic of the press conference to the rivalry between the Red Devils and Liverpool, but the Dutchman had no interest in talking about the Reds.

As shared by The Peoples Person, it was hard to get any answer from the manager:

He finally relented, saying he could relate to the criticism manager Brendan Rodgers is receiving for his club's inconsistent form and that he believes the Reds have been unlucky, via ManUnitedMyLife:

"

Louis van Gaal on Liverpool's form: "I've had the experience too. I think last few matches for them were unlucky"

— Manchester United (@ManUnitedMyLife) December 12, 2014"

Rumours had circled Angel Di Maria could be available for selection on Sunday, but per Dinnery, Van Gaal confirmed both he and Chris Smalling are still suffering from injuries:

Colombian hitman Radamel Falcao could make his return to the squad, however:

Several questions regarding his comments after the match against Southampton appeared to agitate Van Gaal, who shared precious little during his pre-match press conference. After just 15 minutes, the Dutchman called it quits and left the room.

Sunday's meeting between United and Liverpool could be a key match for both clubs, and coming off five straight wins, Van Gaal's frustration at the continued criticism is understandable. The Red Devils are in excellent form, but for some reason, the club isn't being acknowledged the way Van Gaal would like.

A big win on Sunday could certainly change that, giving the likes of Neville and Phelan even less ammunition to work with.

Follow @ReverschPass