Louis van Gaal defends Man Utd side and says they can come SECOND in Premier League

LOUIS VAN GAAL says he has an iron shield to protect him from criticism, but it will need to be armour-plated if his Manchester United team stumble in the next five matches.

09:00, Sun, Mar 15, 2015 | UPDATED: 09:36, Sun, Mar 15, 2015

Van Gaal GETTY

Louis van Gaal's side face a difficult task to qualify for next season's Champions League

The veteran Dutchman shrugged off fierce flak from United legend Paul Scholes and his stellar compatriot Wim Van Hanegem to claim his side can finish second in the Premier League table and that he will remain manager even in the disaster scenario of another season outside the top four.

Mathematically, it’s perfectly feasible for United to be second and it would be folly to discount a runner’s up spot for the richest club in England and one of the most experienced managers in world football.

But the alternative scenario of ending outside the Champions League places for a second successive campaign is also just as possible as United face a daunting schedule of matches starting against rivals Spurs today.

Then they face Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea as well as Aston Villa in the following four games.

Manchester United v Tottenham - Premier League Preview

We are so close to a lot of clubs and we can be second or third this season
Louis van Gaal

“The coming matches are very decisive,” said Van Gaal.

“We are so close to a lot of clubs and we can be second or third this season.

“We have to wait for a big victory. Then, maybe, we will have more spirit and also more confidence to win our games.”

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Van Gaal says he side need a big performance to improve the mood in the camp

It’s true enough. Winning a crucial game against major Premier League rivals can transform the mood of a club uneasy with itself. Losing them, of course, can prove terminally destructive.

Van Gaal doesn’t see it that way, though, believing he has strong backing from the club’s owners, the Glazer family.

“When I think the chemistry between the players and the manager is not right, then I go,” he said.

“But when I see the chemistry here between me and my players then I don’t have any doubts.

“Because of my conversation with the Glazers I am here and I can complete my three years. I think they are pleased with my way of managing the club.

“We have to continue in our process. Of course we have disappointing moments but we can survive and we have the confidence to qualify for the Champions League.”