Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has insisted that he is not a "dictator" at the club.

The Red Devils manager has reportedly come under fire from his squad and former players over his methods of management, as captain Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick held talks with the Dutchman.

However, Van Gaal is adamant that the discussions between him and the senior players were positive, and believes that he has a good relationship with his squad.

He told reporters: "All the players are communicating with me - they are coming to my office, believe me, it is like that. I am not a dictator - I am a communicator. It's a positive thing that the players are coming to me and not only Michael Carrick or Wayne Rooney, other players too.

"It was alarming for me that it was Carrick and Rooney and because they are the captains. That's why I went to the dressing room and analysed the situation for them. After that, the atmosphere was much better and after that we won again.

"Most of the strategy is always the same because they like the way we have done it. But I have changed the way that I say the game-plan to them, for example. Now I ask in advance and they can say what they want. When you have professional behaviour, you know there are a lot of meetings. But footballer is still better than every other job because you can work with your hobby."

United face Liverpool in the Premier League later today.