David Beckham: Van Gaal still the man for Man United

Former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham has backed under-fire manager Louis van Gaal.

The ex-England captain says critics of the Dutchman should listen to the views of those who know him best.

United coasted into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a 3-0 win at Sky Bet League One side Shrewsbury on Monday night.

The Red Devils, though, face a battle to continue their Europa League campaign, needing to overturn a 2-1 first-leg loss when they tackle FC Midtjylland at Old Trafford tomorrow night.

After that comes Sunday’s visit of title challengers Arsenal.

It is a lack of consistency this season — United are in fifth place following seven league defeats — which has seen pressure increase on Van Gaal (64).

Beckham, who was an integral part of Alex Ferguson’s all-conquering squad, sees no reason to wield the axe.

Beckham told TalkSPORT: “He (Van Gaal) is an experienced manager with a great reputation in the game. Sometimes it takes time. It is not easy being manager of Man United.

“We have to look at results, we have to look at the way we play, we have to listen to fans — the people that really matter at the club — and I only hear great things about him as a person, as a manager, as a coach.

“I have met him once before and he treated me unbelievably well.

“He is manager of Manchester United so there is always going to be criticism, but at the end of the season let’s see what happens.

“Jose (Mourinho) leaving Chelsea, who would have expected that after the season they had last year? It doesn’t make him a bad manager,” said Beckham.