Van Gaal admits Manchester United lacked end product

Louis van Gaal slams Red Devils for not killing off Newcastle United in draw

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal was left angry by the draw with Newcastle United after the red Devils failed to kill off the game.

United were in the lead two times during the game but failed to come away with the points as the Magpies netted a last minute equaliser.

It was a disappointing end to a game that had literally everything with goals, tackles, cards and penalties all involved. They mostly went in favour of United but the Reds were unable to hold out after producing their best attacking display in the last few months.

Captain Wayne Rooney was on top form and scored two great goals, while Jesse Lingard scored but also missed a huge opportunity to finish the game off. Midfielder Ander Herrera also impressed while Marouane Fellaini was lost in the defensive position while having his header saved from what was only six yards out.

Newcastle rallied at 2-0 down and got back into the game through striker Mitrovic before Paul Dummett broke United’s fans hearts by netting a 20-yard effort which flew off the back of Chris Smalling.

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It was more a game that felt like a defeat and Louis van Gaal showed that on the touchline by slamming his book on a number of occasions. And the Dutchmen explained that the side threw the points away at St. James’ Park after the final whistle.

"He said, as reported by manutd.com: “We threw it away. You have to finish the game much earlier. The referee gave a penalty and I think it was a duel – I have seen the video and you can see Mitrovic was pushing the head of Smalling. When you both do that you cannot decide which is worse, I think, but the referee did not lose our game. We lost it by ourselves.”"

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United have been criticised for not scoring goals recently but they managed three and could have had more. The big change was Juan Mata being dropped from the starting XI and United looked like their old safe, with pace and power on all fronts. However, the defence let them down at times and Smalling didn’t have his best game after a strong season.

But Van Gaal criticised the whole team for not taking the win back to Manchester.

"“We were unlucky, when you see the penalty for the second goal and when you see the third goal. When the ball is going where he [Paul Dummett] shot then it is in the hands of De Gea. It clipped off Smalling and that took it past. It was unlucky. Before that we were running behind and you have to push forward, you have to push the ball under pressure and we didn’t do that. Then you get these kinds of things.”“They have to finish of course but it is always difficult. Rooney also had a very big chance in the first half. We could have scored six goals here, I think, there were big possibilities so when you then lose two points then that is very sad. Also, everybody knows it is our own fault. It was not the referee or the opponent. We did it ourselves.”"

Van Gaal’s side are now slipping behind in the race for Champions League football and on Sunday they face arch rivals Liverpool in a must win game. It was similar situation last season and both sides will be going for the win.

And the former Bayern and Netherlands boss admitted that it will be a huge game but the draw against Newcastle could still be inside him until the weekend.

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"And with United facing arch rivals Liverpool on the weekend, the 64 year-old added: “It is a very big game for Manchester United but also for Liverpool. Now, I am still with my mind on this game and that is not such a happy ending.”"