Andrei Kanchelskis Comments on Louis van Gaal, Manchester United Sacking Rumours

Former Manchester United winger Andrei Kanchelskis has hit out at coach Louis van Gaal, as the pressure and speculation mounts against the Old Trafford manager.

The popular ex-Russia international proclaimed the Dutchman does not understand the Premier League, but would give LvG until the end of the season to prove his worth to the Red Devils. 

BBC Sport reported Kanchelskis' thoughts on the current downturn at United, as Van Gaal's team suffer their worst run of form during his 18-month tenure:

"

I am disappointed with the way United are playing.

Under Alex Ferguson, we played in a more attacking style of football and played in a 4-4-2. Van Gaal sees things differently. This is not a head coach for Manchester United.

I just don't think that Van Gaal understands English football. A team needs to have leaders, like Bryan Robson, Roy Keane, Peter Schmeichel, who can give the right things at the necessary moment and can show their leadership qualities.

The coach does not want this and this is the reason for such disastrous results.

"

ANDRES KUDACKI/Associated Press

The two-time Premier League winner added the club should not replicate Chelsea's mistakes by sacking their coach prematurely during the middle of a campaign. 

Kanchelskis highlighted the knee-jerk reaction to results in west London, as the Stamford Bridge board sacrificed Jose Mourinho, per BBC Sport: "Chelsea have already made a stupid mistake in sacking [Jose] Mourinho. Manchester City are also close to making the same mistake. Van Gaal needs to be given until the end of the season and then a decision should be made."

OLI SCARFF/Getty Images

United fans have been consistent with their vocal protests in recent weeks and have made it clear they are unhappy with the team's current direction.

The Red Devils have led the Premier League this season, but the starting XI's entertainment factor has been nonexistent, as the club's attack falters. 

ESPN FC's Alex Shaw directly criticised United for their managerial appointments of the past few seasons, after the installations of David Moyes and Van Gaal:

United face a difficult trip to Stoke City on Boxing Day, as the Potters experience a good run of form, recently beating Chelsea and Manchester City on home turf. The Britannia Stadium club are up to seventh in the Premier League form guide, as Van Gaal's side completely lose the habit of winning games. 

The Dutch coach appeared a broken and saddened individual on Wednesday as he faced the media at Carrington, walking out of his pre-match press conference in under five minutes, as reported by BBC Sport. LvG claimed journalists owe him an apology for their damnation of his reign and refused to answer further questions.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

United are in turmoil, and Van Gaal's dexterity as a top-level coach is in question. He has not crafted a side befitting of the north-west giants and has settled for pragmatism and function over free-flowing football.

LvG's teams of the past have always had flair at the centre of their cores, but the Dutchman appears to believe the best way to achieve success in England is to keep the ball and frustrate an opponent.

However, it seems these tactics will eventually be his undoing at the Theatre of Dreams, as the club's supporters turn against the veteran manager in their droves.