Beckham defends Van Gaal

Former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham has backed under–fire manager Louis van Gaal.

The ex–England captain says critics of the Dutchman should listen to the views of those who know him best.

United coasted into the quarter–finals of the FA Cup with a 3–0 win at Sky Bet League One side Shrewsbury on Monday night. But the team still faces a battle to continue its Europa League campaign and needs to overturn a 2–1 first–leg loss against FC Midtjylland at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

After that comes Sunday's visit of league title challengers Arsenal.

A lack of consistency has seen pressure increase on 64–year–old Van Gaal. Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly being considered as a successor.

Beckham, an integral part of Sir Alex Ferguson's all–conquering squad, sees no reason to wield the axe at United - even though he would love to see Mourinho back in the English game.

Beckham said: "Van Gaal is an experienced manager with a great reputation. Sometimes it takes time. It is not easy being manager of Man United. We have to look at results, we have to look at the way we play, we have to listen to fans – the people that really matter at the club – and I only hear great things about him as a person, as a manager, as a coach.

"I have met him once before and he treated me unbelievably well. He is manager of Manchester United so there is always going to be criticism, but at the end of the season let's see what happens."

Beckham left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in 2003, before spells with Los Angeles Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris St Germain ahead of retiring in 2013.

He sees no reason why Mourinho should not make an impact again in the Premier League, wherever he works next.

"Jose leaving Chelsea, who would have expected that after the season they had last year? It doesn't make him a bad manager," said Beckham. "He is still one of the best managers and I hope he comes back to the Premier League as soon as possible.”

Beckham, 40, believes it was always going to be a tough act to follow Ferguson, under whom the midfielder won six Premier League titles as well as the 1999 Champions League in their treble season.

David Moyes lasted under a year, and Van Gaal has also found the job a tough challenge.

"As a Man United fan, I always hoped we wouldn't go through a slump, but it was inevitable," Beckham said.

"Man United is Man United. It doesn't matter if you love them or hate them, they are one of the biggest, if not the biggest, club in the world and you have to keep that reputation. The only way you can keep that reputation is by winning trophies."