Manchester United must start finishing games earlier, says boss Louis van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was far from content with his side's victory over Aston Villa and insists they must start finishing games earlier.

Marcus Rashford's seventh goal of the season was enough to seal a 1-0 win and three crucial points in the hunt for a top-four place, while confirming Villa's relegation to the Championship.

But Van Gaal said his side need to up their tempo and take their chances if they are to build momentum and clinch a Champions League spot in the final five games of the campaign.

"I was not so pleased with the performance because I think we played too slowly," Van Gaal told Sky Sports.

"I know it is difficult against a defensively organised team like Aston Villa - they were very compact - but then you need quick possession play and the gaps will exist. We could not do that today.

"I was happy with the first goal - an important goal. It was a very good switch by Wayne Rooney and a very good assist from Antonio Valencia. He saw Marcus running to the near post and, at the right time, gave the pass. It was superb.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

"But we have to finish much earlier and then the game will be over and Aston Villa would not show the same motivation at the end, because they were still in the race for a draw."

City beat Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge leaving United three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, who have a game in hand.

Rooney's impressive return

Wayne Rooney impresses on return from injury for Manchester United against Aston Villa

But Van Gaal said: "Of course we are very much in the race for Champions League football and we also take a distance over Southampton and West Ham, who play tomorrow. The three points are very important for us.

"Momentum is starting when there is a fantastic performance. West Ham was a very good performance, but not fantastic. We have to finish the games earlier, and we didn't do that."