Share

Van Gaal: United need composure

London - Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was frustrated to see two points slip away after his side's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Red Devils took the lead just past the hour mark thanks to a superb strike from Jesse Lingard, but a late assault from the Blues saw Diego Costa bag an equaliser in the first minute of added time.

"I think we played a superb game until the last quarter," van Gaal said. "It is deep frustration for me because we were the better team. Again, we did not win and we had the chances but we did not win.

"We did not keep the ball and we did not play the attack in the way I think we have to do. We were unlucky that we got the goal against us, it was unbelievable. We did not reward ourselves.

"It is because of Chelsea pushing with long balls and more aggression, but nevertheless you have to keep the ball and we have to be composed when we defend. We have to make sure we are not kicking the ball away without any meaning.

"The defensive organisation, you have to be composed. When you can control the ball, you have to control the ball and then you can play it out, not just kicking the ball away and then the next attack of Chelsea is there."

The stalemate was a missed opportunity to gain two more points on neighbours Manchester City, who are now just six points above them in the fourth and final Champions League place, while wins for the top three saw them extend their lead.

"When your aim is to be third, second or first then you need to win because the gap is already big and the gap is now bigger than before and that is not good," the Dutch coach added.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE