Louis van Gaal: We Need To Be More Clinical

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal admitted his team need to be more clinical and "finish games" after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford.

The Reds' lack of ruthlessness against the Gunners disappointed the manager, who was hoping for a victory after United took the lead through Ander Herrera’s first-half volley.

“It is a pity because in spite of a lot of injuries we were [the] better [team] for one hour. You have to finish these games though,” said van Gaal.

“You can say that we are unlucky because it is the third deflected goal in a row that we have conceded. I have said to our players though, that it is not unlucky, you have to force the luck. We were better than our opponents for one hour but only 1-0 up. After that, when you see Arsenal wanting to get back into the game, you have to stick together and play more compact - not be as open as we were.”

Sunday’s result means Arsenal effectively require just a point from their last two games to secure third position, a scenario that would leave United – already guaranteed fourth spot - to face a Champions League qualifying tie to reach the competition proper.

“We have to play a qualifying round now. We have not qualified for the Champions League yet,” cautioned van Gaal. It could be very stressful - you can meet an opponent who is midway through their season. It is not so easy and we have to realise that. [But] of course I am satisfied because we set our goal at the start of the season [to finish in the top four] and we have reached that goal.”

Louis van Gaal was talking to Sky Sports.