Van Gaal reacts to Southampton defeat

Louis van Gaal rued missed chances following United's 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Sunday but accepted the visitors defended well in the Barclays Premier League encounter at Old Trafford.

The Reds controlled the majority of the game but struggled to break down a well-organised defence that showed great energy while pressing the ball. In the end, Ronald Koeman’s team bagged all three points courtesy of Dusan Tadic’s 69th-minute winner.

“We didn’t create so many chances in spite of dominating the game,” said van Gaal. “We gave Southampton a chance in the first minute but after that we have dominated the game without creating many chances.

"We created chances at the end, and we played with our heart. I put Fellaini at thetop and then we made three big chances but it was not enough.
I think Mata had three chances but okay, we cannot change the result anymore.”

Asked why United could not score, the boss continued: “Because they were defending well. You have always got to take into account that the opponent can play well.

“They defended well, [they had] good organisation, but they came for a draw I think and they go away with a victory. That is disappointing."