Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is confident his side’s performances will continue to improve as the season draws to a close despite their wasteful attack in the Premier League loss to Chelsea on Saturday.
United were the dominant team at Stamford Bridge but Eden Hazard’s first-half strike proved to be enough for Jose Mourinho’s side to move them within two victories of securing the league title.
However, in spite of the defeat, Van Gaal is confident that his side’s ever-improving performances will aid them in sealing a top-three finish.
“I am very disappointed with the result, but I am pleased with the performance,” Van Gaal said.
“We were the dominant team on the pitch but lost and, in football, the result is everything, so we need to make the most of our opportunities from now on.
“I’ve told the boys in the dressing room that every week we are making an improvement.
“When you see our playing style, you can be very happy. That’s the most important thing.”
Wayne Rooney was one of several players to squander gilt-edged chances for the visitors on Saturday, with Chelsea content to play on the counter attack.
And Mourinho’s tactics paid dividends 38 minutes in, Radamel Falcao conceding possession to John Terry on the halfway line, before Oscar fed in Hazard, the Belgian bursting into the box before slotting it under David De Gea.
United pressed hard for a leveller though it was the hosts who went the closest to extending their lead when Hazard’s flicked effort clipped the crossbar midway through the second half.
But like his manager, United captain Rooney is confident of getting a result in next weekend’s clash against his former club Everton at Goodison Park.
“I think we can take great confidence from this result as I’ve rarely seen a team come to Stamford Bridge and dominate so much, all that was missing was a goal,” Rooney said.
“On another day we could have scored two or three goals, but it wasn’t to be today. We have to move on now and look forward to facing Everton next weekend.”
Main image courtesy of MUTV via YouTube, with thanks.
