Manchester, United Kingdom - Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal insisted on Friday that he can handle the mounting criticism of his tactics and team selections.
Van Gaal has come under fire for using captain Wayne Rooney in midfield instead of in his preferred position as a central striker and the Dutchman has also been slammed for using a long-ball gameplan at a club famed for its commitment to entertaining football.
Former United midfielder Paul Scholes this week said watching United this season has been a "miserable" experience because of their style of play.
But, speaking at his press conference ahead of United's FA Cup fifth round trip to Preston on Monday, Van Gaal was adamant the criticism hasn't affected him.
"I don't worry about it, it's not so interesting," Van Gaal said.
"I think because he (Paul Scholes) is one of the fans, I hope, and he can criticise. Fans can criticise, and that's not a problem.
"That's what I have to say about that. I am used to it and I think all the players are used to it because they are not first-time professional football players.
"Maybe some players are affected, but normally most of the time it does not affect me or the players."
However, Van Gaal did conceded he still doesn't know his best starting line-up eight months into his Old Trafford tenure.
The former Netherlands coach has flipped between three centre-backs and a flat back four and also tinkered with the setup of his midfield and attack.
"I have played now already five or six systems and I am looking still for the balance," Van Gaal said.
"But this current system is more attractive than normally and I can play with more attacking players.
"That's the reason I am doing that. In spite of the fact that we are looking for the balance, our results are not bad and our defensive organisation is not bad, we also score a lot of goals."
AFP
