Paul Scholes 'influenced' Manchester United fans, says Louis van Gaal

The Manchester United manager admits he has a problem with the "negativity" created by the former Old Trafford midfielder

Paul Scholes with Ryan Giggs (GETTY IMAGES)

In an exclusive interview with the Independent, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal said he believed "negative" comments from Paul Scholes had influences fans at Old Trafford.

Former Old Trafford favourite Scholes was critical of Van Gaal's side earlier in the season, labelling them "boring".

Speaking to the Independent's chief football writer Mark Ogden, Van Gaal explained how he has always dealt with unrest from supporters during his career and how it is unique in England.

“In Barcelona, the fans were more critical than everywhere. In Ajax, too,” Van Gaal said. “In my first year at Ajax, it was not a happy year for me. At the end, we won the Uefa Cup, but it was not a happy season.

“I took over from Leo Beenhakker and we lost the first three matches, so what do you think the fans were yelling? ‘Cruyff,’ for a whole year.

“I have always coped with that kind of thing. Barcelona is a very critical environment, because the result and the performance is very important. In England, it is more the result than performance, only when Paul Scholes started he influenced a certain amount of fans.”

Scholes's comments drew much attention and Van Gaal told the Independent that he is happy for the midfielder-turned-pundit to express his views, however suggested the Manchester United great consider the impact it will have.

“What Scholes is thinking, he has to think it. Every human being can give his opinion," said Van Gaal. "I don’t bother about that, I think it is good. But my problem is when you create an atmosphere, a very negative atmosphere for somebody, so maybe he should be more positive.”

Manchester United take on Sunderland this weekend looking to close the current six point gap to the top four.