Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has urged one of his main critics, Paul Scholes, to be more positive.

It is no secret that United have at times struggled this season and as a result, van Gaal has had to face constant criticism from the fans as well as the media, including past Red Devils.

A host of former United players have been very vocal against van Gaal's management style and probably the harshest critic of the Dutchman has been midfield legend Scholes.

A great mate of assistant manager Ryan Giggs, Scholes has repeatedly attacked van Gaal for his defensive tactics and poor results but the 64-year-old has now responded to the former England international by urging him to be more positive in regards to his assessment of the club.

Speaking to The Independent, van Gaal said: "No, I don't think that I have to give Ryan stress in his friendship with Scholes. I have managed all of my career, so it would not be good or honest of me to ask Ryan to say something.

"What Scholes is thinking, he has to think it. Every human being can give his opinion. I don't bother about that, I think it is good. But my problem is when you create an atmosphere, a very negative atmosphere for somebody, so maybe he should be more positive."