Publications
Partners
London - Louis van Gaal was critical of his side's first-half display, he was defensive in response to claims from journalists that his players are generally not performing well.
"I am not with your analysis," said the Dutchman, who had produced an illustrated four-page dossier at his pre-game press conference to rebut West Ham manager Sam Allardyce's claims about United's style.
"You are assuming we are not playing well. I have only said that this match was not good and we have played now 16 or 17 matches with only one loss and with a lot of goals in favour, so I don't think that every match is not attractive and that we are not playing attacking football.
"I don't agree with you, but today you are right. We are already for how many weeks in the top four? You can look at the table. Not one week. How many, 10 weeks? We are still third or fourth. Ten weeks already."
However, Van Gaal did admit to concern over the fact that United's supporters seemed displeased with many aspects of the performance, especially with co-owners Avi and Joel Glazer making rare Old Trafford appearances.
"Yes, that is a concern because we are playing for the fans," he said. "The fans are the most important part of the club. They keep the club living, but they also applaud. Always in matches 90 minutes, not 45.
"In the Netherlands they say, 'When you win when you are playing bad, how will it be when you're playing good?' I think that's the end of our conversation!"
Although they left Manchester without a point, second-bottom Burnley departed with many admirers, especially for their forward Ings, who was superb in a losing cause.
"He was sensational," said Dyche. "He was first-class. People are making noises about England. I have tried to play it down, but but I can see why after tonight (Wednesday). He is a very, very talented player.
"He was excellent Sunday (in a 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion) and excellent today. His movement, his quality. He is a fantastic young man as well."
