Louis van Gaal lamented a lack of creativity after Manchester United’s 1-0 Premier League loss to Southampton on Sunday.
Despite controlling much of the proceedings at Old Trafford, United failed to register a single shot on target, with Dusan Tadic’s well-taken effort enough to secure victory for Ronald Koeman’s high-flying Saints.
The defeat brings to an end United’s 11-match unbeaten run and Van Gaal admits that his side, who are on the same number of points as they were at the same stage last season, lacked the clinical edge present in previous fixtures.
“We didn’t create so many chances in spite of dominating the game,” he said.
“We created chances at the end, and we played with our heart but it was not enough.
“We gave Southampton a chance in the first minute but after that we have dominated the game without creating many chances.
“They [Southampton] were defending well. You have always got to take into account that the opponent can play well.
“They had good organisation, but they came for a draw I think and they go away with a victory. That is disappointing.”
Angel Di Maria returned to the line-up to face Koeman’s side after recovering from injury, but Radamel Falcao was left out of Van Gaal’s match day squad.
However, despite numerous opportunities, United were unable to test Saints’ ‘keeper Fraser Forster.
Matters were made worse for the hosts when Robin van Persie hobbled off with an injury on the hour-mark, while Luke Shaw and Di Maria also made early exits.
Their misery was compounded when, in the 69th minute, Southampton substitute Tadic latched on to Graziano Pellé’s rebounded strike to dispatch coolly past David De Gea.
Van Gaal later confirmed that Van Persie would have to be assessed further in the coming days after his innocuous injury, though eased fears over the well-being of Shaw and Di Maria.
“Shaw was not injured but he needs match rhythm,” he said.
“Also Di Maria – he is not injured but he needs match rhythm. That is why I had to change.
“Of course, we have players who are coming back but then we also need match rhythm. It is not so simple to play in the Premier League, so I have to adapt to the circumstances.”
The Dutchman also moved to explain Falcao’s omission from the squad, with the Colombian having found form in recent weeks.
“You have to look at the needs of your squad selection at the time,” Van Gaal continued.
“I needed cover for other areas. As a coach, you have to take decisions and look at the composition of your team and your game plan.”
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