Former Manchester United FC manager Alex Ferguson backs Louis van Gaal; asks fans to be patient

Fergie praised Gaal for injecting youth in the squad and also called 18-year-old striker Marcus Rashford as a sensation.

New Delhi: Former Manchester United legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson asked fans to be patient with current boss Louis van Gaal and hailed the Dutchman's belief in youth.

United have bowed out of Europe and are languishing at sixth in the Premier League. This in turn has seen fans and pundits alike doubt the manager and also criticise him.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Ferguson said that it is dead easy to be critical and that United will come back strong.

“It’s dead easy to be critical. For 150 years of history, it’s worth having a couple of years on the quiet side of success because they will always come back and come back strong,” said Fergie.

United have been marred by injuries this season and several crucial players were out for a long period of time.

Ferguson backed Gaal and highlighted the key injury issues by saying players missing of that calibre is set to have impact on the team.

“You have to be realistic about some things, the number of injuries he has had. Phil Jones has played only seven games this season, Ashley Young, Valencia, Shaw - these are big losses. It doesn’t matter which team you are, if you have players missing of that calibre it has to have an impact on the team.”

The legendary football manager also praised Gaal for injecting youth in the squad and also called 18-year-old striker Marcus Rashford as a sensation.

“You have to give him credit, he’s given nine young players their debut. think the future is good. Rashford is an example of what I think is Manchester United. He is a sensation and one of the best in years,” said the Scotsman, who won 13 Premier League honours.

United face Everton in a crucial home game at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday.