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Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has delivered a response to criticism from club legend Paul Scholes about United’s defensive style of play by insisting the Old Trafford legend’s comments ‘will never hurt me’, Manchester Evening News reported.
It has been a disappointing week for everyone associated with the Red Devils, who crashed out of the Captial One Cup by England’s second-tier Middlesbrough on penalties. The game ended in yet another 0-0 draw and the 20 time English champions are now without a goal in 247 minutes in front of the Old Trafford faithful.
Van Gaal’s misfiring strikers are under scrutiny and the Dutch coach was criticised heavily by Scholes for the team’s ‘lack of creativity and risk’, which has made life harder for out-of-form captain Wayne Rooney. Scholes had also claimed that Old Trafford legends Andy Cole and Ruud van Nistelrooy would struggle to play under the former Barcelona coach.
However, the Dutch coach has responded in fine fashion and has questioned Scholes’ motives for criticising his former club, while insisting that he still has the full backing from the club.
“You ask me if I take risks? I take always risks!” he said.
“I am not agreed with his opinion, but I don't want to defend myself because I cannot defend because he is a legend and has a lot of resonance, I hear. So I think when you are a legend you have to speak with the manager, or with his friend Ryan Giggs, or has to speak with Ed Woodward.”
He further added: “I think you have a fantastic expression here. Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names will never hurt me. Fantastic expression, fantastic. I think Manchester United is always entertaining and I read also in the papers and I see it is boring, but I don't think there are more spectators in other stadiums than this ground.”
“I shall do everything for this club because I think with these fans, I have said many times, these fans are unbelievable. We are improving at lot but when you think it can be done within one year, I have said it is a process and it takes three years.”
“That's why I signed here three years. But when Mr Scholes thinks I can better go, then I go. But he is not the man responsible for that. That is the Glazers and Mr Woodward.”
United trio ruled out for match against Crystal Palace
Van Gaal and his Red Army travel to Selhurst Park on Saturday to face Crystal Palace. Antonio Valencia, James Wilson and Memphis Depay are all major doubts for the fixture.
“Wilson was injured but also Memphis Depay was injured,” Van Gaal said.
“It was a very bad game afterwards because we lost on penalties and also we lost two players. We have to wait and see how long they are unavailable for, because it was only two days ago.”
