Louis van Gaal disappointed with Manchester derby draw
Sunday 25 October 2015 19:55, UK
Louis van Gaal believes Manchester United lacked the luck they needed to overcome a "compact" Manchester City side.
The 170th Manchester derby failed to live up to its box-office billing as United and City played out a drab goalless draw at Old Trafford, a result which saw City reclaim top spot in the Premier League.
United had half-hearted claims for a penalty dismissed in the second half, following Raheem Sterling's clumsy challenge on Ander Herrera.
"We don't have the luck," Van Gaal said..
"I've seen on the video that Herrera should have had a penalty, but the referee did not give us the benefit because it was difficult to see.
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"You can see clearly he [Sterling] didn't touch the ball and touched the legs of Herrera. But we are not having the luck this season.
"I can imagine it was difficult for the referee. It's not a big issue, it is not the first time but that is that."
United failed to register a single attempt on goal during the first half of the derby - the first time they had failed to do so in the Premier League since the 2003/04 season.
And Van Gaal expressed his dissatisfaction at his sides inability to break down a stubborn City side, adding: "I am disappointed, I have told my players that.
"When you play 90 minutes, where you are concentrated and focused like we were, then I am proud. But we are still two points behind City so it's disappointing.
"They [City] have the right to play compact and they have done it. They have a fantastic team on the counter and we had to defend against that as well in a very professional way.
"I cannot complain, I am only disappointed. We did not have the luck."
United captain Wayne Rooney, who turned 30 on Saturday, failed to test Hart as Anthony Martial, deployed again on the left, looked by far the most dangerous player in United red.
Van Gaal bristled at the first mention of Rooney's name in his post-match press conference.
"I have to talk every week about Rooney, why?" the United manager said.
"You have your opinion - write it. I don't give any more answers about Wayne Rooney. I am sick of them."
