Louis van Gaal has criticised his players for creating a cosy atmosphere within the Manchester United dressing room.

While the pressure on Van Gaal is now not as intense as it was towards the end of 2015, when his team went on their worst run in 26 years, an early exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Sheffield United on Saturday would shift the spotlight back on to the Red Devils boss.

Van Gaal took the flak for that sequence of eight matches without a win, but his players must take a portion of the blame too. The United manager hinted on the eve of tonight’s tie that life had almost become too easy for his players.

The Dutchman is, quite understandably, keen to foster a harmonious environment within his squad, but claims there should be plenty of room for constructive criticism at Carrington and Old Trafford too.

“No I don’t think so,” Van Gaal said when asked if the players’ mood had been lifted following a win over Swansea and a draw versus Chelsea.

“I think the atmosphere in our dressing room is very good. Maybe too good because they are always protecting the dressing room, their colleagues. That is very good, until a certain point.”

Adnan Januzaj will not be available on Saturday even though he was recalled from his unsuccessful loan spell at Borussia Dortmund on Thursday. The Belgian is regarded as one of the best young players at Old Trafford, but did not start a league match for Dortmund during his five-month spell.

Van Gaal also confirmed Phil Jones is out because of an ankle injury he suffered against Swansea, but Jesse Lingard has recovered from the hamstring injury that has kept him out for the last month.

Sheffield United manager Nigel Adkins admires Van Gaal’s style and substance, but knows he may well end the Dutchman’s United reign if he can mastermind a giant-killing.

The League One play-off hopefuls make the short trip across the Pennines to Old Trafford, where Adkins has never played or managed before.

Adkins, who should have winger Matt Done back in his squad after a hamstring injury, said: “I am really looking forward to meeting Mr Van Gaal. He is a vastly-experienced manager with an unbelievable amount of trophies and plays great football, possession-based football.

“Maybe the supporters might see it a different way. But he’s an experienced manager, he can deal with the situation and it’s not for me to talk about the situation he’s in. I think every football manager realises that you’ve got to be winning games of football.”