Sir Alex Ferguson's support has helped me so far- Manchester United coach

Manchester United coach Louis van Gaal, has revealed that he still seeks for Sir Alex Ferguson's advice over their performances.

Ferguson has backed van Gaal in recent interviews and has shown his unwavering support for the Dutchman, as he believes he can lead the team to success.

"It's fantastic," said van Gaal. "When you come to Manchester United, because I know Sir Alex, you hope that he will support you.

"And when he is supporting you, he is doing that not only this week but in other conferences he gave.

"He showed a lot of confidence and belief in me and you need that as a trainer-coach, as manager of Manchester United.

"You need that belief and support of managers like Sir Alex. I am very happy with that because then you can work more easily.

"But it's also pressure because he believes in you and that gives you that pressure that you have to get results. It's not so easy to win Premier League matches."

United will host Newcastle on Boxing Day and Van Gaal has said that he hopes to make Old Trafford a fortress.

"I have said after the first loss against Swansea that it's a pity we came back from the United States and won everything and then lost our first match in the Premier League," said van Gaal.

"We want to build a fortress at Old Trafford and we have made that already because we have won a lot.

"I'm happy with that but then we have to continue because seven (wins) is too few I think.

"So we have to continue and that's the most difficult point because it's not easy to win games in the Premier League."