Louis van Gaal admits Manchester United were lucky to beat Southampton

Posted Tuesday, December 09, 2014 by skysports.com

Louis van Gaal admitted Manchester United were lucky to beat Southampton on Monday Night Football.

United had just three shots on goal during the game - the lowest total recorded by a Manchester United team in any Premier League game since August 2003 - as Southampton created the better chances but failed to take them.

Both of the visitors’ goals were scored by Robin van Persie and speaking after the match, Van Gaal was frustrated by his team's failure to control the game.

"I think Southampton played better than Manchester United - I think we were the lucky guy,” Van Gaal said.

"We lost the ball too easily in the first half. We didn’t have very good positional play. The only chances that Southampton created were when we lost the ball.

"The first goal was a present from Southampton, but the second was very nice because I thought the goalkeeper was coming out but he didn’t, so we were very lucky.”

Van Gaal also revealed he substituted defender Paddy McNair in the first-half because the youngster was making too many mistakes.

The Northern Ireland international was hooked on 39 minutes after his skewed clearance fell to Shane Long in the box.

Fortunately for Van Gaal’s side, Long fired his shot over the bar and the Dutchman ruthlessly made the change, bringing on midfielder Ander Herrera and dropping Michael Carrick into the back four.

"Paddy didn’t have any confidence,” said Van Gaal.

"He had already given three big chances away. It’s very disappointing for me and Paddy, but I had to because as a manager I’m responsible to win. After the change we played a little bit better.

"Of course it’s tough but it’s also in his best interests. I have made a lot of changes. It is only one match. All the boys can survive. It’s only one moment.”