Journalist responds to Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal's "fat man" jibe

Criticism: Louis van Gaal fired insulted Sun reporter Neil Custis
OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images
Sam Long14 January 2016

The journalist branded a "fat man" by Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has responded to the Dutchman's dig and blamed a knee operation for his recent weight gain.

Van Gaal was evidently frustrated after he watched his side throw away their lead during Tuesday night's 3-3 draw with Newcastle, despite Wayne Rooney's return to form in front of goal, and was involved in an angry exchange during his post-match press conference.

The 64-year-old did not warm to a question regarding his skipper's performance and insulted Sun reporter Neil Custis as he left the press room at St. James' Park.

Custis has now responded to the Red Devils boss and admitted he is not without his flaws, but suggested Van Gaal is unwilling to do the same.

"I had a knee operation four months ago - that stopped me running and going to the gym," he wrote in the Sun.

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"That has resulted in me putting on two stone. But I am trying to get it all off by having a dry January and calm February and a personal trainer.

"At least I can hold my hands up to my own failings.

"It's a shame others can't," added Custis.

A six-goal thriller against Steve McClaren's side may have seen accusations of boring football dissipate at Old Trafford but was not enough to help Van Gaal's men reclaim a place in the top four.

United currently occupy sixth place and are two points adrift of Tottenham ahead of Sunday's clash with fierce rivals Liverpool.

You can see Van Gaal call Custis a "fat man" in the video below:

<blockquote class="twitter-video" lang="en">&#13; <p dir="ltr" lang="en">WATCH: Van Gaal calls a journalist a 'fat man'. Find out why and see the full video here: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://t.co/X10w6ZnSKB" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-3156191-https://t.co/X10w6ZnSKB" data-vars-event-id="c23">https://t.co/X10w6ZnSKB</a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://t.co/VEVBulxzEm" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-3156191-https://t.co/VEVBulxzEm" data-vars-event-id="c23">https://t.co/VEVBulxzEm</a>&#13; — MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/MailSport/status/687358592882618368" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-3156191-https://twitter.com/MailSport/status/687358592882618368" data-vars-event-id="c23">January 13, 2016</a>

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