Louis van Gaal Reportedly 'Convinced' Paul Scholes Turned Fans Against Him

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is reportedly "convinced" criticism from Red Devils legend Paul Scholes has turned some sections of the fanbase against him. 

The Dutchman has come in for plenty of stick this season, with the team looking unlikely to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next term. However, Van Gaal revealed he didn’t think things would be quite so bad had it not been for the harsh words from figures such as Scholes, per Joe Bernstein of the Mail on Sunday:

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In spite of the attacks of the media—and not only the media, the legends and other kinds of people—I am here and I am fighting, I am an open book. And I believe in myself, I believe in Manchester, I believe in the players. I hope that everybody is believing like me, then it is much more easier.

When you have expectations that Manchester United has to be champions, then you’re disappointed. But when we qualify ourselves or win a title, I am satisfied. But in the eyes of some fans, or many fans, that’s not enough because you have to win the title.

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According to Steve Bates of the Sunday People (h/t the Sunday Mirror), Van Gaal thinks “privately” that Scholes’ “constant criticism” has pushed fans into making a harsh judgement on his tenure.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

As noted by Bernstein, Scholes has been particularly critical of Van Gaal’s team this season, labelling them a “shambles” and a “disaster.” Here’s a clip of the former United midfielder discussing the performance of the Red Devils after they were eliminated from the UEFA Europa League by rivals Liverpool:

While Scholes isn’t one to mince words, United’s style of football has been the biggest indictment of Van Gaal’s spell in charge of the club so far.

The young players in the team are undoubtedly a positive facet of his reign. But the negative tactics, peculiar personnel choices and mind-boggling substitutions have left some United supporters disillusioned. 

Needless to say, Bleacher Report’s Rob Blanchette isn’t the biggest fan of Van Gaal, despite the fact he will take charge of United in the FA Cup final on May 21:

Of course, fans will always pay extra attention when someone like Scholes talks. The former midfielder is very candid in his assessments too, again, making it easy for supporters to relate to the frustration he has endured watching United in 2015-16.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Even so, to pin the swell of momentum against Van Gaal on Scholes is wrong. Mike Keegan of the MailOnline pulled no punches in his assessment of that opinion:

According to Bates, “[Van Gaal] has told close aides he has been reassured by Woodward that his job is safe and that no deal has been struck with Jose Mourinho on three occasions already this year.” If that is the case, you suspect plenty associated with the football club, perhaps Scholes included, would not be too pleased.