Frank de Boer believes Louis Van Gaal will win over his critics

Ajax manager Frank de Boer has backed fellow Dutchman Louis van Gaal to succeed at Manchester United.

De Boer, who won three Eredivisie titles, the UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League with Van Gaal at Ajax, as well as a La Liga title at Barcelona in 1998-99, is confident his countryman’s methods will eventually come good in Manchester.

“Van Gaal wasn’t a factor in my choice to join Barcelona, although my relationship with him was very good,” De Boer told the monthly football magazine Four Four Two. “It still is, actually.

“I think he’ll be successful at Manchester United – he just needs some time.

“The way he thinks and the way he wants to train and play is not something you can demonstrate in [a few] months.

“It will take some time and I hope he will be given that. You can already notice the improvements within the team.”

Even though United are currently in fourth place in the Premier League, Van Gaal has come under criticism for the way his team plays. His critics would prefer United play faster and closer to the club’s attacking philosophy which made them one of the most dominant teams in Europe.