Two weeks ago I was the king, now I am the devil of Manchester – Van Gaal

Louis van Gaal has hit out at criticism following Manchester United’s opening defeat to Swansea City and maintains the club are set for a “difficult three months”.

“Two weeks ago I was the king of Manchester and now I am the devil of Manchester,” said Van Gaal. “It’s the football world and it is especially the media in this football world. I think the fans of Manchester are intelligent.

“I’ve already said in all the press conferences that it shall be difficult in the first three months, for the players and also for the fans. “I can imagine the fans are scared. They saw last year and the first home match. They have to believe. Paul Scholes has to believe.”