” We Weren’t Effective Enough” Manchester United Manager Fumes After Aston Villa Draw

Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal revealed that he was frustrated after his side could only pick up a point against Saturday’s opponents Aston Villa. United went into the game as favourites after winning six games in a row, but were held by a resolute Villa side who defended bravely despite going down to 10 men with nearly half an hour to play.

The Dutchman said in the post-match interview, “It’s disappointing not to win the game. We were the better team throughout the match.

“Villa scored against the run of play, we got back in it with a great goal, and we were pressing and pushing but our final cross wasn’t what we wanted.

“(After the red card) they defended a lot more and got more bodies behind the ball and made it difficult. We should have created more opportunities.”

“I am very frustrated and I think the players also are because we were the better team and we don’t win. You have to win when you are the better team. In the first half we weren’t aggressive enough.

“I also have to say Aston Villa were well organised but when you allow them to score you know it will be very difficult.

“We pressed more in the second half and that’s why we scored but you have to score two times. We weren’t effective enough. It could have been seven in a row but it is not.”

Villa took the lead in the 17th-minute thanks to a beautifully crafted strike from Cristian Benteke but were pegged back in the second half after Radamel Falcao’s goal. The Colombian rose to head home Ashley Yong’s cross in the 52nd minute. After that, it was all Manchester United as they probed for an opening. Van Gaal’s side were given a big advantage in the 64th minute when Gabriel Agbonlahor was sent off for a rash tackle on Ashley Young.

Despite going down to 10 men, Villa showed good defensive organisation and had a few chances of their own thanks to their counter-attacking style of play. With the draw, United remain thrid behind Chelsea and Manchester City while Villa are in 12th position.