Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has welcomed the support of Sir Alex Ferguson.

United's greatest ever manager lavished praise on Van Gaal this week, telling BT Sport: "He's a great coach, he will do well... When he gets the best players back, you watch United go."

Van Gaal responded yesterday: "It's fantastic.

"When you come here, you hope - because I know Sir Alex - that he shall support you.

"And this week is not the first time he has showed a lot of confidence and belief in me, and that I need as trainer-coach.

"As manager of Manchester United you need belief and support of managers such as Sir Alex but also (directors) Bobby Charlton and David Gill.

"They have the belief and I'm happy with that, then you can work in an easier way.

"But it is also a pressure because he believes in you and it gives you that pressure that you have to get results. It is not so easy to win Premier League matches."