Manchester United: Harry Redknapp backs Louis van Gaal amid criticism of style of play

Harry Redknapp has backed Louis van Gaal after the Manchester United manager was subjected to heavy criticism over his side's recent dull performances in all competitions. The Red Devils had gone without scoring in three matches, which ended after their 1-0 victory over CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.

Prior to the European fixture, United had settled for a 0-0 draw in three matches played in all competitions. They had gone without scoring for over 400 minutes and Wayne Rooney ended the goal drought against the Russian side on 3 November.

United legend Paul Scholes blamed the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager for creating a team that plays unenjoyable football. Van Gaal hit back at the Old Trafford favourite over his criticism and Redknapp claims United fans have been "spoilt" over the years by the success under Sir Alex Ferguson.

"They want to see goals! They've all been brought up on seeing such fantastic football under Fergie, and that was always going to be difficult to follow," Redknapp told talkSPORT. "They were so exciting - with the Giggs', the Beckham's, the Scholes', the Keane's and all the other superstars - they just played amazing attacking football and the fans have probably been spoilt over the years. They want to see the same sort of football but it was going to be difficult for anyone to replicate that."

Rooney's goal against CSKA saw him level with Dennis Law as the club's second highest goal scorer with 237 goals. He is 13 goals short of overtaking Sir Bobby Charlton as United's leading goal scorer. The England international has expressed his delight after matching Law's record at Old Trafford.

"I am extremely proud, Denis [Law] is a legend for this club. To equal his goalscoring record is a huge honour for me," Rooney told United's official website. "It was a tough game, it is difficult when teams come and defend. We had to keep digging away at them, it was really hard to break them down. Thankfully the chance came at the end and we got the goal, it was a big win for us. I think we deserved the three points. It was an important game and an important goal in this Champions league campaign. It is a tight group, but thankfully we are top at the minute."