Premier League. Manchester United boss says have faith in me

In his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend's match with Sunderland, Louis van Gaal has asked Manchester United fans to keep faith with him after his league debut ended in defeat.

Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Swansea prompted ex-midfielder Paul Scholes to state the situation is "desperate" and they need to sign quality players.

"I can imagine the fans are scared - they saw last year and the first home match," said United's new man at the helm..

"Two weeks ago I was the king of Manchester. Now I am the devil. It is the football world."

The former Netherlands coach - who won league titles with Ajax, AZ Alkmaar, Barcelona and Bayern Munich - was brought in this summer to replace David Moyes, who was sacked after only 10 months in charge.

His tenure began well as United won six friendlies in pre-season, but then came the loss to the Swans at Old Trafford.

"The fans have to believe. Paul Scholes has to believe," said Van Gaal ahead of Sunday's game at Sunderland.

"The club have hired me because of my philosophy, not because I am nice, although I am," the 62-year-old added. "They have not hired me to fire me."

JB