Beckham throws support behind under-fire Van Gaal

Former England captain David Beckham has thrown his support behind Louis van Gaal, insisting that the embattled Manchester United manager should be given more time to reverse the struggling club's fortunes.

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Van Gaal came under severe criticism following United's repeated poor performances and after the club's early exit from the Champions League.

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Although United's 3-0 FA Cup win over third-tier Shrewsbury on Monday gave a big relief to the Dutchman, the Old Trafford club still need to overturn a 2-1 deficit at home to FC Midtjylland on Thursday if they are to keep those European aspirations afloat.

Describing Van Gaal as an 'experienced manager' with 'a great reputation' in the game, former United midfielder Beckham admitted that it was not easy being the manager of United, Sport24 reported.

Beckham won six Premier League titles during his time at United under the stewardship of club's most successful manager Alex Ferguson.

He said that Van Gaal was bound to receive criticism as he was at the helm of United but urged patience from fans till the end of the season to see the result.