Van Gaal claims Man U job been easier due to Ferguson's 'confidence, belief' in him

Manchester United football team manager Louis van Gaal has claimed that his job has been made easier for him by the 'confidence and belief' coaching icon and former boss Sir Alex Ferguson displayed in the Dutchman.

In his first season at Old Trafford, Van Gaal has led United to third in the Premier League despite injuries to a host of players, and Ferguson this week described the Dutchman as a great coach who would do well.

The Dutchman said that Ferguson has belief and he is happy with that, adding that then one can work in an easier way, the BBC reported.

United has suffered more than 40 injuries in the five months since Van Gaal took charge, and the club is set to be without Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera for the Boxing Day match against Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

Ferguson, who is now a United director after stepping down in 2013, won 38 trophies during his 26-year reign.

Van Gaal said that one hopes that Ferguson shall support them, adding that the former boss showed a lot of confidence and belief in him and that he needs as a coach.

The Dutchman further said that as manager of United, one needs belief and support of managers such as Ferguson, but added that it is also a pressure because the coaching icon believes in a person and it gives them that pressure that they have to get results.