Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has said that he is "happy" with the praise he received from Sir Alex Ferguson this week.

Ferguson, who won 38 trophies during a successful 26-year spell in charge of the team, described Van Gaal as a "great coach" after he led them up to third in the Premier League table at Christmas.

Van Gaal is thankful for the support that he has received from the club icon and admitted that it has helped him through his first months as United boss.

"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," Van Gaal told reporters.

"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."

United, who have won six of their last seven matches in the league, will take on Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.