Van Gaal following in Fergie’s footsteps? ‘He is a f great player and you’re all f* idiots’

By William Turvill and Press Association

Yesterday, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal walked out of a press conference after asking journalists if they wanted to apologise for speculating about the security of his job.

In the appearance, which lasted less than five minutes, he said: "(I have read) my (former) colleague (Jose Mourinho) was here already. What do you think happens with my wife or my kids? Or with my grandchildren? Or with the fans of Manchester United? Or my friends? What do you think? They have called me a lot of times and also Arsene Wenger is saying something about that.

"So you think that I want to talk with the media now? I am here only because of the Premier League rules. I have to talk with you. But I can only see when I say something that you use my words in your context."

But he did wish the press a "merry Christmas and also maybe a happy new year when I see you", adding: "Enjoy the wine and a mince pie. Goodbye."

Press Association points out that Van Gaal is not the first Manchester United manager to hit out at the media. Here is PA's round-up of Alex Ferguson's run-ins with the press:

FERGUSON SNAPS AFTER VERON CRITICISM (May 7, 2002)

With his team on the verge of winning nothing in the 2001-02 season, Ferguson took umbrage at claims Juan Sebastian Veron was not good enough to cut it in the Premier League.

The Scot ordered journalists to "get out" of the training ground after they asked him about the Argentinian midfielder and then snapped: "He (Veron) is a f****** great player and you're all f******* idiots."

FERGUSON DENIES UNITED "STRUGGLING" IN EUROPE (November 21, 2011)

After his team could only manage a 2-2 draw at home to Benfica, Ferguson was angered by a reporter's claim that the "two top teams in England" at the time (United and Manchester City) were "struggling" in Europe.

He replied: "Say that again. Struggling? Thank you. Are you serious? We are not struggling" before walking out.

FERGUSON BANS JOURNALIST (May 24, 2011)

One intrepid reporter defied United's edict which said Ferguson would not answer questions at a Champions League press conference regarding Ryan Giggs, who had been at the centre of allegations regarding his private life at the time.

After curtly answering the question about his star midfielder, Ferguson turned to his press officer and whispered: "The guy who asked about Giggsy. Who is he? Ban him for Friday." Unfortunately for Ferguson, his words were picked up by the microphones on the top table.

KELLY DALGLISH GETS IT IN THE NECK (September 14, 2011)

Ferguson and Kenny Dalglish enjoyed many duels during their careers, and the United boss turned on his former foe's daughter Kelly when she questioned his decision to start with Anders Lindegaard instead of David de Gea for the 1-1 Champions League draw against Benfica.

"'David de Gea will play on Sunday against Chelsea," Ferguson said. "That was the understanding we had before the game, and it doesn't change. I don't know why you ask these questions, you're just looking for stupid little things."

FERGUSON STORMS OUT AFTER REFEREEING CONTROVERSY (October 21, 2009)

Ferguson cut short his press conference ahead of United's game against CSKA Moscow when asked about being charged by the Football Association for labelling referee Alan Wiley unfit.

He said: "Silly question and it gets no answer. I've nothing to say about it. I'm at a press conference for a game tomorrow. I'm here to talk about that. Goodnight."