Louis van Gaal warns Manchester United stars: If we want to be champions we must behave like it, even my cook Mike

Louis van Gaal admits that he has endured an ‘awful’ two weeks since Manchester United’s chastening defeat at Arsenal, warning his players that it was not acceptable if they want to be champions.

The United boss revealed that the 3-0 loss at the Emirates had plunged him into a fortnight of analysis and introspection during the international break, questioning his preparation, days off given to the team and even mode of transport. Van Gaal admitted that the entire staff had to share the blame – even the team chef.

‘Two weeks is awful when you have such a result,’ he said ahead of Saturday’s trip to Everton. ‘These are awful weeks because you are thinking about how it happened and you cannot manage it with your players. They are flying out, and especially after the last game because we played on a Sunday. They flew directly after the match.

Van Gaal says everyone at the club, including his cook Mike, must behave like champions

‘They are coming back Wednesday and even yesterday (Thursday) – Sergio Romero and Antonio Valencia. They could not participate in our meetings before the game against Everton.

‘It is difficult for me. Then I have to speak about the match against Arsenal because you have to analyse, learn from it and improve.