Former Arsenal winger Marc Overmars has jumped to the defence of Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

The Dutchman was widely considered to have done a good job during his first season in charge at Old Trafford following his arrival in July 2014.

However, this season the 64-year-old's playing style has been heavily criticised, with the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes voicing their concerns on numerous occasions.

Van Gaal has spent an estimated £250m on new players in 18 months, yet his side sit six points adrift of league leaders Leicester City, as well as having already exited both the Champions League and the League Cup.

However, Overmars has insisted that his former boss at Ajax and Barcelona will get it right if he is left to get on with the job in hand.

"It's crazy to criticise him so much already. In football you need patience," he told The Sun.

"They are building a new team. Yes, they have spent a lot of money, but leave him to do his job. He has had difficult times before in his career, but always comes through. He will survive and build a very strong team."

On Saturday Van Gaal's Red Devils will play host to Norwich City.