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‘Average’ United worries van Gaal

LONDON — Louis van Gaal branded Manchester United’s performance as “average” after the turgid stalemate with PSV Eindhoven left his side dicing with death in the Champions League.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal. Photo: Action Images via Reuters

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal. Photo: Action Images via Reuters

LONDON — Louis van Gaal branded Manchester United’s performance as “average” after the turgid stalemate with PSV Eindhoven left his side dicing with death in the Champions League.

The second half was especially poor as United failed to sustain periods of pressure on the PSV goal, and it prompted former Red Devil Paul Scholes to suggest United do not have the firepower to be a threat in Europe this season.

“Attacking-wise they don’t look a threat, they don’t look good enough, they don’t look like they’re going to go and score goals,” said the former midfielder, who was especially scathing about the lacklustre display of £36  million (S$76.5 million) signing Anthony Martial.

“He’s still got a lot to learn goalscoring-wise. He doesn’t look bothered if he misses a chance. He doesn’t look bothered if he scores a goal.”

Van Gaal admitted afterwards: “The result is disappointing because I have the feeling that we could have finished this game several times, more in the first half but also in the second half.

“In the first half it was average but in the second half, despite my changes, it did not improve. Nevertheless, we gave only one chance away so now you know it is 0-0, but it is disappointing because we have to beat Wolfsburg, which is a difficult game. We are still second and in a qualifying position, and we have to do it in Wolfsburg. That is more difficult. It would have been easier to do it tonight.”

The Dutchman struggled to offer an explanation for such a limp display. “I am worried (about the lack of goals) but I also know goals are coming,” said Van Gaal. “It is not a consequence of good or bad performances. We could have scored at least three goals. That’s football.”

However, Van Gaal remained confident his side could secure the win they needed in their final group game on Dec 8. “Of course, we won our home match with Wolfsburg so why not win away in Wolfsburg?” he said. “Our away record is better this year. We are playing to win and not to lose. We have to win.”

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