Manchester United players are afraid to make mistakes for fear of entering Louis van Gaal's notebook

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Louis van Gaal’s man management style is so ruthless that Manchester United’s players have privately admitted they are afraid to make a mistake.

The mood inside the dressing room was already fragile before they were dumped out of the Champions League by Wolfsburg on Tuesday and a source told Sportsmail the manager’s constant criticism is further damaging morale.

Van Gaal writes down every error made during a match or in training in his infamous notebook and players live in fear of being included if they do not follow his instructions to the letter.

Louis van Gaal's ruthless management style has made Manchester United players afraid to make mistakes 

They are also unhappy that Van Gaal analyses their mistakes in front of team-mates, using replays with individuals singled out like naughty schoolboys.

United’s attackers are forbidden from being flash anywhere but in the final third of the pitch, and the departure of record signing Angel Di Maria to Paris Saint-Germain is an example of what happens if they do not listen. 

Memphis Depay was told to tone down his tricks in August after signing for £25million from PSV Eindhoven.

Angel Di Maria's departure is an example of what happens if players do not listen to the manager

Van Gaal’s persistently negative feedback has created an uneasy atmosphere. Captain Wayne Rooney and his deputy Michael Carrick went to see the Dutchman in September to warn him there was a ‘flat’ feel to the dressing room.

Last week Sportsmail also revealed players were complaining in private over his ‘supper-club’ routine on the eve of matches. 

After dinner, the squad have to attend a series of tedious meetings at the team’s hotel before gathering for a 10pm supper of cereal and toast.

Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick approached the Dutchman about 'flat' dressing room in September

Van Gaal last year opened up about his trusty notebook which rarely leaves his side. 

‘The notebook I always have with me in the dug-out attracts a lot of remarks,’ he said. ‘For me, it’s an extremely valuable aid, so it’s not important what other people think.

‘First I always jot down the collective mistakes that go against the pre-planned tactics. That’s the most important aspect. 

Louis van Gaal looks dejected on the bench as his side exited the Champions League with defeat in Wolfsburg

'Next, I always note down individual mistakes, of course. This way I have a logical sequence of aspects about which I can talk to the players during the interval. 

'That’s why I find a list so useful — the chance of forgetting something important is negligible.

‘In addition, I use my notes for the post-match team talk and, of course, for putting together the drills for the training sessions after the game is over. 

'If you don’t put pen to paper, you’ll forget something.’ 

Louis van Gaal writes down every error made during a match or in training in his infamous notebook