Louis van Gaal says the biggest problem holding Manchester United back is their chief exec Ed Woodward.

United's executive vice-chairman worked with the Dutchman at Old Trafford, before sacking him after winning the FA Cup.

“He [Mourinho] is not an awful man," Van Gaal told the Mirror. “In fact, I think he is a sympathetic guy. He was my assistant at Barcelona.

“I worked with him and what Mourinho did [taking his job] is what often happens in football.

“I have more problems with the CEO, Ed Woodward. He never discussed anything with me - and you can talk about anything with me.

“With all my experience, I know the unwritten laws of football. A club has to prepare for the future.

“I can understand that and they should have approached me. Ed could talk to me but he did not.

“My wife had to find out when she was in the lift with Woodward's family. They said something like 'This is going to be awkward for Ed'.

“My wife had sussed them out ages ago. She warned me that something was going on."