Van Gaal: Positive Display, Negative Result

Louis van Gaal praised Manchester United’s display against Chelsea but was ultimately frustrated his side couldn’t convert chances into goals.

The hosts took another step towards the Barclays Premier League title with a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge, courtesy of Eden Hazard’s strike, but the Reds arguably deserved a point or more after a spirited away display.

"I am very disappointed with the result, but I am pleased with the performance," van Gaal said. "As a team we were fantastic today – we played Chelsea off the pitch.

"We were not effective today, because we created a lot of chances in spite of the defensive organisation of Chelsea – three in the first half to their zero. In the second half, we created eight chances and Chelsea three, so that's unbelievably good.

"We were the dominant team on the pitch but lost and, in football, the result is everything. 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."

Hazard’s 38th-minute goal came against the run of play and Chelsea sat back and contained the visitors from there on. But van Gaal disagreed that the game went to plan for his former protégé Jose Mourinho.

"No, I don't think so," the Reds boss said. "Everyone can have their own opinion. The winner takes it all – it's a song, but it's like that."

Van Gaal was speaking to MUTV and Sky Sports.