Louis van Gaal Responds to Paul Scholes Criticism in Manchester United Presser

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed he's impervious to criticism after responding to comments from former Red Devil Paul Scholes, who described his style of football as "boring."

The Dutchman spoke to the media on Friday in the buildup to Saturday's Premier League clash at Crystal Palace, shrugging off Scholes' critique, per MailOnline's Mike Keegan. Sky Sports' AudioBoom quoted Van Gaal, who described Scholes' comments as nothing more than "sticks and stones":

Manchester United currently sit two points off the top of the Premier League and could move to the summit with three points at Selhurst Park depending on the fortunes of Manchester City and Arsenal.

One might understand why Scholes is frustrated seeing his old club falter in recent years, but Van Gaal couldn't help but question why the ex-England international has been so vocal of late, per the Mirror's David McDonnell:

"

He [Scholes] doesn't have the responsibility, so he can say everything. Why he is saying something? For the benefit of the club or the benefit of himself? I don't want to defend myself because I cannot defend, because he is a legend and he has a lot of resonance, so I hear.

I think when you are a legend, you have to speak with the manager or his friend, Ryan Giggs, or Ed Woodward, but not this way, because he will be paid by the BBC or Sky.

"

One can only assume Scholes believes that by pointing out faults in the side, Van Gaal will look to address them himself, but the United boss appears happy to open lines of communication with the pundit directly.

It's only too clear how aware Van Gaal is of the weight Scholes' opinion carries at Old Trafford after pointing out as much in his Friday conference. But he was eager to enforce it's not he who decides his fate at the Theatre of Dreams, per football writer Chris Winterburn:

The Red Devils were ousted from the Capital One Cup on Wednesday after suffering a penalty-shootout defeat to Championship outfit Middlesbrough, following last season's departure at the hands of MK Dons.

It was the second game in succession in which United have failed to score, but the manager remained steadfast in the belief it isn't for lack of entertainment, per McDonnell's report:

"

I think Manchester United is always entertaining. I read also the papers and I see it [United's 0-0 Capital One Cup draw with Middlesbrough] was boring, but I don't think there are more spectators in another stadium than this ground.

I don't know, because I cannot imagine how it is in other stadiums, because I have to work, but it is also a fantastic atmosphere, because of the fans of Middlesbrough, but also Manchester United, and they have supported the players fantastically.

In spite of the defeat, when we were going to our dressing room, they were applauding. I have said that also last year, once or twice.

"

The Old Trafford faithful may be in good spirits regardless of their team's results, but Van Gaal would do well to remember their admiration will always be for the club and not necessarily for recent performances.

They have drawn their last three games in succession and scored just one goal in that period. However, a record of two losses in their last 10 games makes for better reading, and the boss insists his side are improving, according to Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News:

It raises the debate as to what's more important to a club—entertainment or results. Fortunately for Manchester United, they were able to enjoy both under Sir Alex Ferguson, but such luck perhaps won't come around again for a long time.

Many fans might accept any manager if he guaranteed the club major honours, and while Scholes may not appreciate Van Gaal's approach, the United boss believes progress to be key above all else.