Monday 14 March 2016 12:14, UK
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal admitted he was disappointed with the supporters who cheered Marouane Fellaini's substitution on Sunday.
The Belgian midfielder was withdrawn after 76 minutes of the 1-1 FA Cup quarter-final draw with West Ham at Old Trafford after a stuttering display.
Van Gaal, who hailed his team's spirit to come from behind and earn a replay at Upton Park, disagreed with fan opinion and thought Fellaini played well.
"I think Fellaini played a good match again. He performed well in our gameplan," he said.
He added of the cheers: "That was disappointing but that was the only moment I was disappointed with because they were supporting our side in spite of two losses this week. Maybe they have another opinion to me."
United's troubled campaign looked to have taken another turn for the worse as Dimitri Payet put the Hammers on course for a Wembley semi-final with a stunning free-kick at Old Trafford.
But, unlike in recent defeats to West Brom and Liverpool, Van Gaal's side were able to find a response and Anthony Martial's 83rd-minute equaliser ensured a replay at Upton Park.
"For the first 15 minutes I think West Ham were the better team and they created a few chances, but after that we came back into the match," Van Gaal said.
"We have created chances and in the second half we were the better team. They scored out of a free-kick. We were behind.
"We have played against West Brom and lost, and Liverpool and lost this week, and when you come back from that I think it is amazing, and fantastic spirit in the team, in spite of a very nasty week. I am very proud of my players. We are still in three competitions."
Payet's 68th-minute free-kick, which beat David de Gea from distance with bend and dip, came out of the top drawer but there was controversy over whether he should still have been on the field.
Just moments earlier he had arguably been lucky to escape receiving a second yellow card for simulation, after referee Martin Atkinson adjudged Marcos Rojo not to have committed a foul on the Frenchman in the penalty area.
"We can discuss every decision of the referee, but I can only say we are very unlucky this season with the decisions of the referee," Van Gaal added.
With his side trailing, Van Gaal changed the pattern of the game by sending on Bastian Schweinsteiger and Memphis Depay in a double substitution after 76 minutes.
Of Schweinsteiger's display, he said: "I think he did fantastically, but of course he played 15 minutes. Ninety minutes is different but I was very happy with him."
