Wednesday 11 March 2015 14:31, UK
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is the right man to improve the club’s fortunes.
Van Gaal has come under pressure due to an inconsistent season for United, who were knocked out of the FA Cup at home by Arsenal on Monday night.
Manchester United are fourth in the Premier League table but face stiff competition from Liverpool, Tottenham and Southampton for a place in the Champions League next season.
But Burton Albion boss Hasselbaink, who was at St George’s Park to help with the draw for the 2015 Cerebral Palsy Football World Championships, has backed his fellow Dutchman to keep them in the top four.
"I think that’s what they have set out to do, that is his aim. Louis van Gaal is someone who is very experienced, who has been in these kinds of conditions many times," the former Chelsea striker told Sky Sports News HQ.
He (Van Gaal) has always had pressure whatever club he has been at and he has always had problems with the press. This is no different for him.
"He knows what he is doing and he knows what the expectation is and I think he is comfortable in his position.
"He has always had pressure whatever club he has been at and he has always had problems with the press. This is no different for him.
"It's a big job, whoever would have come in. I know Van Gaal and I am very confident to say he is the man who will be able to change it around.
"I am confident he believes that himself as well. He is someone who is very intelligent and who has been in these kinds of conditions.
"I am confident to say he will succeed."
Haaselbaink does not feel the players themselves will be under pressure, insisting Van Gaal is experienced enough to deflect the attention away from them.
“Players have to what they have to do. Managers take the pressure off players. I don’t think players will be too bothered about what the press will be saying,” added Hasselbaink, whose Burton team top the Sky Bet League Two table.
“They know they have to succeed to get into that fourth, or third spot. They are Manchester United players and they know there are pressures that come with that.
“It’s just business as normal, I would think.”
The Cerebral Palsy Football World Championships will be staged at The FA's National Football Centre from June 13-28.
Watch Manchester United v Tottenham on Super Sunday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 1 at 3:30pm.
