Manchester United right-back Guillermo Varela has said Louis van Gaal can be “difficult” but he now feels he has the trust of the manager.
Varela, 22, has made four appearances for United this season with the club short on options in defence following injuries to Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Phil Jones.
The Uruguayan was linked with a temporary switch to Serie A side Genoa during the winter transfer window, but it is reported that Van Gaal decided to retain his services.
However, he added: “He has a difficult personality. Sometimes it is not so easy for the players.”
Varela signed for United from Atletico Penarol in 2013, the same summer that Sir Alex Ferguson left Old Trafford after 27 years in charge.
The defender added: “For players used to working with Ferguson, that has been hard to take. The truth is his exit is still felt a lot. There as before and after.”
Referring to the club’s senior players, he said: “They look after you, help you settle in, which helps a lot. [Wayne] Rooney does this work, and even more now — with [Ryan] Giggs retired and [Rio] Ferdinand gone… he is now the main leader.”
On the poor reaction towards Van Gaal after the defeat to Southampton, Varela said: “The stands were falling down. They know that things are not going well and the fans get anxious, just like the players.”
Varela told Ovacion: “The rumours say there is always some kind of problem with the South Americans. If I tell you the truth, I have had none. When we’ve had to talk it has been clear and stayed at that.”
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