Football
Arindam Rej, Man United Correspondent 8y

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal upset with continued criticism

Louis van Gaal questioned why other managers are not subjected to the same scrutiny after he was again challenged about his future at Manchester United.

The United manager was given the chance to address speculation that he will leave the club in the summer at Friday's prematch news conference, but he refused to respond.

"You can ask what is happening with me, I don't discuss it," Van Gaal said. "It's not my problem. I read only about my position in the media, not other managers' positions."

Despite having guided United into the FA Cup semifinals, Van Gaal remains under pressure with his side being outside the top four in the Premier League. After Sunday's 3-0 at Tottenham Hotspur, fifth-placed United are four points adrift of Manchester City in the final Champions League berth.

United, buoyed by the 2-1 FA Cup quarterfinal replay win at West Ham United on Wednesday, face rock-bottom Aston Villa on Saturday.

Van Gaal admitted that he is frustrated by the inconsistency. He added: "The players, the manager and the staff have been frustrated because we have not been consistent this season.

"When you have to line up a different team up every week because of injuries, it is difficult to make a consistent team-building process. Still, we are in the race for the first positions in the league and we are still in the FA Cup, so I am very happy that we can do that."

Even if they finish in fourth place, United could still miss out on Champions League qualification if City and Liverpool win their respective European competitions this season. City are in the Champions League semifinals, while Liverpool have reached the last four of the Europa League.

Meanwhile, United have announced that they will provide free travel to Wembley for their FA Cup semifinal against Everton on Apr. 23.

"Due to limited transport options after the game, Manchester United have arranged free coach travel for fans wishing to make the round trip from Old Trafford to Wembley Stadium, as a thank you for your continued support throughout the season," a club statement said.

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