A group of Manchester United players confronted manager Louis van Gaal over his training methods earlier this season, according to reports.

The Times and The Sun both reported on Thursday that the players concerned believe Van Gaal's approach to training is too "rigid" and does not allow them to "express" themselves enough.

Thursday's Times back page: Exclusive - United stars in Van Gaal training row #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/QsZa8dyVJy - Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) September 9, 2015

The Times said that, after dressing-room talks, senior figures had approached the Dutchman several weeks ago "to raise complaints about a lack of creativity" and to express their concern that "training orders have become so inflexible that they are hampering performances."

The Daily Telegraph later reported that United's senior players have been angry over the treatment of Brazilian defender Rafael da Silva and the over-reliance on video analyst Max Reckers to lead lengthy feedback sessions.

The Sun also reported that there has been "some disquiet behind the scenes" over the handling of the David De Gea situation, with the Spain goalkeeper not selected so far this season and then denied a move to Real Madrid over a paperwork delay.

Despite those apparent concerns, De Gea has said he is happy to return to Old Trafford after international duty and is hoping to win back his place in the side ahead of Saturday's meeting with Liverpool.

Meanwhile, former United defender Rio Ferdinand, who left Old Trafford last year ahead of Van Gaal's first season in charge, has expressed concern about the direction of the club.

Asked about the differences between Van Gaal and Sir Alex Ferguson's philosophies, Ferdinand said in the Irish Examiner: "Everything.

"In terms of players, the personnel are completely different, and the way they play. You associate Man United with pace and power, explosive fantasy in the final third, but that's not the way it is now.