Jose Mourinho has claimed he will always respect the views of Manchester United's legends
Van Gaal came in for some heavy criticism from Paul Scholes in March following the defeat to Liverpool, with the former midfielder calling the display 'shambolic' and 'lacking fight'.
This led to a frosty relationship between Scholes and the former manager with both exchanging sly digs at each other throughout the remainder of the season.
However, Mourinho has admitted this is not the kind of relationship he wishes to have with the Old Trafford greats during his tenure.
And the Portuguese has admitted he will hold the views of the club's legends in the highest regard, even inviting them to attend training sessions.
"At this club you find legends from five years ago, legends of 10 years ago, legends of 15 years ago and legends of 20 years ago," Mourinho said.
"Their voice becomes very powerful. That is something you have to understand.
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"When people belong to the club history, they are different to a normal pundit and you have to look at them in a different way.
"You have to be respectful with these guys. They are so powerful in the fans' world that they can influence positively or negatively.
"The fans love them, so when they are positive they can unite and when they are negative they can create a more difficult situation. They are working and have to try to be honest and independent.
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"So, myself, as Manchester United manager cannot tell them, 'you belong to our history, you are here to help'.
"You have to accept that if they are happy with the team they can elevate the support, but if they are not happy maybe they can disturb and make things more difficult.
"I would say to them, 'you are welcome at the training ground.' Any time you want to give an opinion, welcome, it is your house, it is your home and you can be back when you want."
