• Premier League

Van Gaal shrugs off Scholes 'miserable' claim

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has said he is not concerned by criticism from Paul Scholes after the former midfielder branded his old team's style of football "miserable".

Van Gaal believes Scholes, as a United supporter, has a right to air his opinions but insists he is able to ignore such comments.

Scholes made 718 appearances for United before retiring in 2013 and had a brief spell on interim manager Ryan Giggs' coaching staff last season.

However, Van Gaal said he was not concerned by the former England midfielder's comments.

"I don't worry about it," he said. "it's not so interesting I think because he is one of the fans and fans can criticise. 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 not affected, most of the time it does not affect me or the players."

Van Gaal has spent much of the season talking about trying to get the right balance in his side and admitted he is no closer to doing so.

The 63-year-old has switched from a back three to a 4-4-2 system with a midfield diamond that, he believes, gives United a greater attacking threat.

"I have played now already five or six systems and I am looking still for the balance," he said. "This system is more balanced than normally and I can play with more attacking players.

"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. So, I cannot say that I am very disappointed about that."

While Van Gaal was disappointed with United's first-half performance in Wednesday's 3-1 victory over Burnley, he believes the statistics prove his side merited all three points.

"Football is made for creating chances, we have created more chances than Burnley so we have deserved to win," he added.

Louis van Gaal is still searching for the right balance in his Manchester United side © Getty Images

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