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Manchester United players were reportedly so incensed with Louis van Gaal following their 3-0 defeat at Tottenham they labelled their maligned manager 'clueless'.

A source is quoted as telling The Sun : “They blamed it all on the manager.

“You could hear everything. They don’t seem to have much time for him.”

The newspaper also reports that Van Gaal was angry with Marcus Rashford, who was hauled off at half-time against Spurs, because he was 'spending too much time hunting the ball in wide areas'.

The Times adds United players are 'growing increasingly frustrated' with the Dutchman's tendency to blame them for poor results.

Van Gaal was criticised for his decision to withdraw Rashford for Ashley Young at half-time at Spurs. Rather than move striker Anthony Martial up front, Van Gaal played Young as the No.9 against the Premier League's most miserly defence.

The United manager blamed 'miscommunication' for the collapse against Spurs.

"The miscommunication in our centre defence turned the match, I think," he said.

"And the second goal was also a goal in a set-play. Alderweireld scored and we knew in advance he is a dangerous header, so everything was well organised but he had a wonderful header, and within five minutes they scored the third goal and the game's over."

United have sounded out Jose Mourinho about taking over in the summer and Van Gaal is understood to have a fourth-place clause in his contract that would decide his fate.

There were claims in the Netherlands on Monday that Van Gaal is open to returning to Ajax.

“Van Gaal has the ambition to be head of the youth academy at Ajax,” said the Dutch side’s former coach, Co Adriaanse. “That is what he enjoys doing most and what he has wanted to do for a decade or so.”