Louis van Gaal has hit out at ex-players who have regularly 'attacked' him during his time as Manchester United manager.

The Dutchman's future remains uncertain amid reports that Jose Mourinho is waiting in the wings to take over at Old Trafford.

Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand have been among the former United players to criticise Van Gaal, who admits that the constant rumours about his position at the club have angered him.

"Of course all this speculation about my future for six months makes me angry," The Independent quotes Van Gaal as saying. "I have shown that many, many times. You are asking and you know already my answer! It's rhetorical, I think.

"I have shown that and I am an open book for everybody. I have said that, but in spite of the attacks of the media - and not only the media, the legends and other kinds of people - I am here and I am fighting.

"And I believe in myself. I believe in Manchester United. I believe in the players. I hope that everybody is believing like me, then it is much more easier."

United will finish fourth this afternoon if they beat Bournemouth and Manchester City lose to Swansea City.