Louis Van Gaal has attacked critics who he believes made him “the devil of Manchester”. The new Manchester United boss said he has gone from “king” of the city to the “devil” following the shock opening day 2-1 Premier League defeat to Swansea City at Old Trafford.

“Two weeks ago I was the king of Manchester and now I am the devil of Manchester,” Van Gaal said at a press conference on Friday.

Much of the criticism of Van Gaal has been directed at Manchester United’s poor return in the transfer market. Just three players – Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw and Ander Herera – have come into Old Trafford this summer, leaving fans feeling the expected regeneration in the post David Moyes era has not fully materialised. Van Gall laid the blame for the sudden drop in his standing with the media.

“It’s the football world and it is especially the media in the football world.”

“I think the fans of Manchester United are intelligent. I’ve already said that it shall be difficult in the first three months, for the players and also for the fans.”

During the press conference Van Gaal also addressed the news that Danny Welbeck has been offered the option to leave the club. The Dutch manager expressed his anger at the story leaking to the media.

“The media were not in the room and I do not speak about that because that’s private.

“I know what I said to Danny and Danny knows exactly what I said to him.

“I assume that Danny Welbeck is not saying anything about our conversation and also in that conversation was (assistant manager) Ryan Giggs and he doesn’t say (anything) either, and that is the way it should be.”