Man Utd: Louis van Gaal defends reputation at first news conference

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Louis van Gaal described himself as a “democratic” manager in his first news conference as Manchester United boss.

Van Gaal, who was appointed in May but was at the World Cup with the Netherlands until last weekend, arrives at Old Trafford with a reputation as a fearsome individual.

But the 62-year-old countered: “I’m democratic, empathetic to human beings.

“Of course I have a strong personality, but the other characteristics are more important.”

He said speculation over his management style was “unfair”, adding that “the media want to show that part of the personality. When you repeat that, everybody thinks like that”.

Van Gaal, who also revealed that midfielder Michael Carrick had been injured in training this week, called United “the biggest club in the world”.

He wants to see how the current squad performs over the next three or four weeks before deciding on any additional signings.

Asked if he was targeting a top four finish, he replied: “To me the challenge is always first, and not fourth.”