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Watford - Louis van Gaal conceded Manchester United are far from pretty to watch after they ground out a 2-1 victory at Watford thanks to Troy Deeney's late own goal.
Van Gaal's side have been criticised for their conservative style of play under the Dutchman this season, but their latest defensive display paid dividends at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
They had taken an 11th minute lead through Memphis Depay and, although Deeney's 87th minute penalty ended a run without conceding of 10 hours, United snatched the points at the death when Deeney turned Bastian Schweinsteiger's effort into his own net in stoppage-time.
"I have changed the system," Van Gaal said. "Our positional game was not so good and that was disappointing. I know some people think our positional game is boring but I think it is a way to disorganise the opponent's organisation.
"I was very satisfied about our defensive organisation. We didn't give more than three chances away, one in the first half and two in the second.
"Memphis and Jesse Lingard played a very good game. We could have finished the game much earlier. I have to say after the penalty, I thought we gave it away but then you see the spirit of the game.
"We created three chances in a row. It was an injection, the equaliser. I am very proud I am the manager of that team."
Van Gaal will now assess a depleted team ahead of Wednesday's home Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven.
Having been without a host of players including forwards Wayne Rooney (illness), Anthony Martial (foot) and James Wilson (knee), United also lost Ander Herrera and Phil Jones at Vicarage Road.
"We are in a lousy period because there are a lot of injuries," said Van Gaal. "We had already injuries. Antonio Valencia has been operated on. Luke Shaw, you know. Jones and Herrera are not available for Wednesday.
"The first impression is they are not heavy injuries but we have to play Wednesday.
"Jones has a twisted ankle and Herrera maybe a hamstring injury. Rooney is ill and illness is a matter of days, not weeks.
"I do expect that he shall play Wednesday. He is at home. Tomorrow (Sunday) he comes and then I can say more.
"Martial has a foot problem. It is not so heavy but we have to wait and see.
"Every position is double occupied. It is only now that the striker position is not occupied because Rooney, Martial and Wilson are injured."
