Manchester United Manager Louis Van Gaal said his team does not deserve three point.

Manchester City boss Louis Van Gaal says his side did not play well enough to merit victory against Stoke City on Thursday.


The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw against Mark Hughes' side in the match on New Year's day, with Radamel Falcao scoring in the first half to cancel out Ryan Shawcross' early opener.

And Van Gaal believes the a point was all his side deserved from a flat and timid performance.

"It was a draw and we don't deserve more," the Dutchman said to Sky Sports.

"They were closer to the goal than us. It's difficult for us to defend long balls and we also saw that in our home match against Stoke. I think we had a lot of time and space to build up but we didn't do that.

"In the second half it was a little bit better but we didn't create as much. The crosses were not so good, normally they are much better.

"The opponent also had the problem of the windy conditions. They are used to that and they played long balls.

"Nevertheless we have got the space and time to play football. The wind was not so heavy as maybe everybody thinks. We could have played better today."

The goal from Ryan Shawcross was the 20th conceded by United in their opening 20 games and the defender will not have too many easier chances, as he knocked it home from close range after Peter Crouch had diverted a corner towards goal.

"You know they will play high balls. We have had two meetings about that.

“We know that Crouch is doing that and that he does not always hit it at the goal but to the second player and they were totally free without any opponent around them so that was very bad.

"It's good that we kept the spirit, equalised and played better in the second half.

"We have to play better in away matches, there is no difference between away and home. The fans from United were again loud and fantastic. We have to do that better."

There was also more bad news on the injury front for United as Ashley Young was forced off after 75 minutes. He could now be the latest player set for a spell out of action, while worries arose from the substitution of Luke Shaw.

"Young - it's a hamstring injury again," added Van Gaal.

"With Shaw, I don't think that's a problem. It was a planned change. He needs match rhythm and he doesn't have that yet."

source: goal.com