Manchester United under Louis van Gaal has been 'hard to bear', says Champions League winning striker Dwight Yorke

Recent displays have not reflected how United 'go about their business'

Louis van Gaal (GETTY IMAGES)

Dwight Yorke has become the latest former Manchester United player to criticise the football being played under Louis van Gaal.

The former striker, who was part of the 1999 treble winning team, says some of the football has been "hard to bear" and that it has not been reflective of how United "go about their business".

Manchester United recently produced three goalless draws in succession, although in the last week beat CSKA Moscow and West Brom to ensure Champions League progress looks likely and the gap to the top of the Premier League table stands at just two points.

However that hasn't been enough for Yorke to pull his punches.

"The legacy that Sir Alex has left behind after 26 years has meant we’re used to seeing a certain type of football so you can understand the reaction of certain individuals who have played for the club for a very long time who are entitled to their opinion. Whether Van Gaal agrees with that is another story," said Yorke.

"I can see why people are voicing their opinion because it’s not how United go about their business and it’s been very hard at times for people to bear. The final straw is the fact we went three games unable to score against lesser teams. The frustrations kick in then.

"You’ve got to take certain risks. Its all well and good having a game-plan where you grind teams down and have the ball so much but the game is about excitement and taking chances. Nobody wants to see that type of football because at the end of the day we’re in the entertainment business. United in the past have been all about being exciting.

Speaking exclusively to 888sport.com after Manchester United's match against West Brom, Yorke added: "Right now is not what we’re looking for and it will take a little while to come back. There is a transitional period we’re going through but we’ll be okay. The reality is that the excitement will come back to United whether it’s under Van Gaal or somebody else."

Dwight Yorke

The criticism won't be well received by Van Gaal, who recently hit out at former players who have been critical, in particular Paul Scholes.

"Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names [words] will never hurt me," said the Dutchman. “He [Scholes] doesn't have the responsibility, so he can say everything. Why he is saying something? For the benefit of the club or the benefit of himself?"

Manchester United return to action after the international break with a trip to Vicarage Road to play Watford.

Read the full and frank interview – including Yorke's thoughts on Van Gaal, the emergence of Anthony Martial and the form of Wayne Rooney, here.