LOUIS VAN GAAL admits that Manchester United were “really bad” at times in their 1-1 draw at West Ham on Sunday.
The Red Devils struggled to create chances in a sluggish first half and fell behind shortly after the break through Cheikhou Kouyate’s strike.
West Ham looked on course for victory before Daley Blind found the net in injury-time to rescue a point for United, who remain fourth and a point behind third-placed Southampton.
“I think we played really badly in the first half and we showed a lot of spirit in the second half, especially after the goal in the beginning, we gave that goal away, and then we played football after the goal. But you have to do it from the first minute,” Van Gaal told Sky Sports.
“But I have to say what spirit my team showed after 1-0 behind, and I have to thank my players for that.”
United increased the pressure on West Ham’s goal after Marouane Fellaini replaced Adnan Januzaj in the 72nd minute and Van Gaal felt his side could have registered a win following the former Everton midfielder’s introduction.
“I think with Fellaini you have to change your play style and that we have done and because of Fellaini we have created a lot of chances because I think we had three open chances before the goalkeeper [saved them], and normally you can win the game in spite of the bad first half,” said the United boss.
“But I’m pleased we have a draw here.”
When asked about the problems United faced at Upton Park, Van Gaal replied: “Especially when we had the ball, we don’t play the ball along the floor, but also, when we lost the ball, you have to win the first and the second balls much better than we did in the first half because we know they are playing long balls in advance.
“But all the second balls were from West Ham, and that’s why we have a lot of pressure. And that’s why I think the players lost their confidence with playing the ball on the floor.”
United face Burnley at Old Trafford on Wednesday with a full set of Premier League fixtures scheduled for midweek.
