Louis Van Gaal Slammed by Ronald Koeman and Swansea Director John Van Zweden

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman believes Louis van Gaal "thinks he knows everything" and rules by "fear," a style which will eventually lead Manchester United to hiring a manager who possesses a "soft touch."

Koeman—a known rival of Van Gaal's after he replaced his Dutch counterpart at AZ Alkmaar—spoke openly about the Red Devils boss' style, as reported by David McDonnell of the Mirror:

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When you bring Van Gaal in the house, you bring in quality. But you also bring in someone who thinks he knows everything. And that will cause clashes. 

There is a big difference between him and and me as managers. I was his assistant at Barcelona after the World Cup in 1998. I learned a lot of things from him. But the way he handles his players is totally different from the way I work. I don’t put as much pressure on the shoulder of players.

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Koeman continued, saying "it is a fact there is fear in his team," per McDonnell. "After Van Gaal coached the Dutch national team at the World Cup, the Dutch federation had to decide to bring in a manager who would bring in a soft touch," said Koeman. "The players needed an arm around their shoulder. A manager who is calmer than Van Gaal."

It seems United's defeat to Swansea can be marked as a turning point in the attitude toward Van Gaal, who is perhaps lucky his faltering side haven't received more criticism this season.

Pundit Mark Lawrenson recently suggested David Moyes would have been sacked "weeks ago" if he performed this poorly in the hot seat, as reported by BBC Radio 5 live. Daily Mail columnist Jamie Redknapp believes the manager "over-complicates things," with others taking a harsher approach.

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Swansea director John van Zweden mocked Van Gaal after watching his side beat United for the second time this season.

Van Zweden, who has being followed by a Dutch TV crew during Saturday's match at the Liberty Stadium, labelled the faltering boss an "arrogant b-----d," as reported by Mike Walters of the Mirror. His words are due to be screened during a documentary to be aired in the Netherlands on Thursday.

BBC Sport passed along comment from Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins on the comments:

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Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins is "disappointed" with disparaging comments reportedly made by a club director about Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

(...)

Swansea are investigating the matter.

"It is disappointing that one of our directors has apparently made a statement in the media in relation to a manager of another club," said Jenkins.

"Our football club prides itself on having a good working relationship with all Premier League clubs, managers and staff.

"We feel we have built up that good relationship over a number of years and will continue to work hard to preserve our image within the Premier League and the game in general at all costs.

"If any of our directors behave in an inappropriate and unprofessional manner not befitting this football club then they will be dealt with internally and appropriately.''

"

United's quest for Champions League football is looking precarious. Van Gaal's side occupy the all-important fourth spot, but they are just one point clear of Southampton.

More prominently, Liverpool's unbeaten run of 10 Premier League fixtures has pushed Brendan Rodgers' side to within two points, with United still facing a trip to Anfield. Throw in matches against Tottenham, Manchester City, Chelsea, Everton and Arsenal, it's looking unlikely Van Gaal's men will grab enough points to haul themselves over the line.

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Van Gaal has tried to force his policies on United, cramming an uninitiated squad into 3-5-2 at the start of the season before eventually ditching it after the fans' show of annoyance. He took a chance on an unfit Radamel Falcao, one which is yet to pay off, and he failed to address obvious defensive problems in the January transfer window. Squawka highlighted United's difficulties at the back:

The boss has also pushed Wayne Rooney back into midfield, eliminating any kind of pace from United's attack. Less than two years ago Rooney publicly revealed he "didn't want to" fill this role under Sir Alex Ferguson, as reported by Daniel Taylor of The Guardian. It's likely all hell would have broken loose in the press if Moyes had tried the same.

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United supporters are sure to be worried about their side's faltering momentum. Traditionally, the Old Trafford club get stronger as seasons progress, but Van Gaal's squad are yet to overcome a confused, stumbling state on the pitch. Only during November's win over a poor Hull side did the club look like it was legitimately moving forwards.

Van Gaal has his doubters, and indeed, his haters. His reputation is on the line in the next couple of months, which could decide whether he has a job beyond the summer. The Dutchman is used to success and league titles, but right now, it seems as if United will stumble toward fourth at absolute best.