Louis van Gaal: Manchester United fans' expectations too high

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says fans' expectations at the Old Trafford club are "much too high".

United beat Bournemouth on Tuesday to finish fifth in the Premier League - but the three-time European champions have missed out on the Champions League for the second time in three seasons.

"We are a team in transition and I have said that since I started," said Van Gaal, who took charge in summer 2014.

"Maybe I need to bring over the message much clearer than I have done."

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Former Netherlands boss Van Gaal signed a three-year contract when he took over three months after the sacking of David Moyes, who endured a miserable 10 months in charge after replacing the retired Sir Alex Ferguson.

It is unclear whether the 64-year-old Dutchman will see out his final season at Old Trafford, although he said he is "confident" of being in charge.

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has been heavily linked as a potential replacement for Louis van Gaal

A number of United supporters have called for the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager to leave, while some boos could be heard as he addressed the home crowd on a microphone after the final game against Bournemouth.

Van Gaal could lead United to their first major trophy since 2013 - the Premier League title under Ferguson - when they face Crystal Palace in Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley.

But he admitted finishing fifth is a step back after guiding the Red Devils to Champions League qualification in his debut season.

"Our aim in the first year - and also the second and the third - is the Champions League," he said after the 3-1 win over Bournemouth.

"It is the highest level and a club like Manchester United has to play at that level."

However, he also warned supporters against dreaming too big.

"The expectation is very high," he said. "The fans are expecting a lot but I think these expectations are much too high."

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