The first cracks have started to emerge in Louis van Gaal’s Old Trafford regime — with players revealing how intimidating their new boss can be and being left confused by changes to their training routines.

The Dutchman has suffered a nightmare baptism at Manchester United so far, failing to win in three games and last night crashing to a humiliating 4-0 Capital One Cup exit at League One MK Dons.

Van Gaal was clearly incensed by that result and watched with a horrified look on his face as a string of basic errors gifted the minnows a comfortable victory.

Before that result, one United player told a close pal how Van Gaal had already imposed a strict authoritarian regime during training — and was even using the hairdryer treatment made famous under Sir Alex Ferguson.

“Van Gaal stands on the sidelines and does a lot of shouting and bawling,” he said. “It’s been an eye opener and not what we expected at all. Sir Alex knew how to use the hairdryer but this is on full blast. The trouble is, it’s not working.”

Players have also become bemused by changes to their daily schedule, with new times set aside for training sessions and eating. The pal added: “United have stuck with old routines for many years and the changes are causing confusion.

“It doesn’t mean the changes are wrong but it’s taking the players time to get adjusted to them all.”

MORE ON THIS STORY

*