Louis van Gaal is in his second season as Manchester United manager

Louis van Gaal says Man Utd players were worried about morale

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick approached him earlier in the season with concerns about team morale.

Reports earlier this week suggested many United players were unhappy.

Some cited problems with training  while others said Van Gaal's public criticism of players  was to blame.

Van Gaal said it was "positive" that captain Rooney and vice-captain Carrick had approached him to say: "The dressing room is flat."

The Dutchman added: "They told me to help me. I communicate not only with my captains, they try to warn me.

"I then go to my dressing room and discuss with my players and we discussed a lot of aspects – but not what some have written.

"Some players are coming to me to apologise about what has been said in the papers."

More to follow.