Van Gaal blasts English media for undermining his authority

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal had some pointed words for the reporters gathered for the club's end-of-year awards ceremony, accusing the media of undermining and negatively affecting his authority at Old Trafford.

The embattled Dutch tactician has been criticised often by the press this season, with report after report linking Jose Mourinho with his job. Van Gaal, who has never been shy to speak his mind in front of a camera, took to the stage and declared his work has been hindered by the English press this season.

"I'm a coach, a manager who would rather have some authority but every day the players can read it, what do you think about my authority as well? What do you think about the way they want to follow my advice when the coach is shown like a nobody?" Van Gaal asked reporters, according to Sky Sports.

"But I am not like that. I am very arrogant. I am one of the best managers in the world. When the media is writing for six months I am sacked already ... I can cope with that. It is not new for me. For my players, it is not so easy."

The Red Devils continue to fight in an effort to secure a Champions League berth for next season, currently sitting in fifth with a four-point gap between themselves and fourth-placed Manchester City but with a game in hand.

With an FA Cup final to look forward to against Crystal Palace, the United boss is hoping to end the 2015-16 campaign with at least one prize to celebrate.

"I am happy to give the fans a final. Expectations are too high," Van Gaal said. "We are in a period of transition. It is not so easy. We have to meet the expectations of the biggest club in the world."