Manager Louis van Gaal felt that Manchester United produced their best performance of the season to date, despite being held to a 2-2 draw at West Brom.
Daley Blind’s 87th minute strike rescued a point for United, who twice fought back from a goal down, with substitute Marouane Fellaini cancelling out Stephane Sessegnon’s early opener before Said Berahino restored West Brom’s lead at The Hawthorns.
United remained in sixth place in the Premier League, 10 points adrift of leaders Chelsea, and Van Gaal admitted his frustration after individual errors had undone their good work.
“I’m very disappointed because we played our best match of the season and the result is not good enough,” he told Sky Sports.
“I think we could have won but that doesn’t count in our world so that’s why I’m disappointed, but I also have to be happy because we created a lot of chances and only two shots from West Bromwich Albion turned into goals.
“We gave it away because of our individual errors and that’s a pity…”
“I’ve seen on the training ground now that we are better, the players understand the formation more and I’ve seen it today which is why it’s such a pity we didn’t get the result we deserved.”
The Dutchman’s half-time introduction of Fellaini in place of Ander Herrera looked inspired when the Belgian scored in the 48th minute, but he revealed how this tactical decision was made after only a few minutes.
“Herrera has played a normal game, not very good but normal, but we have to look also for physical talents and maybe that’s our problem,” he said.
“I’m a coach who is always thinking about creative players but in England you also need physical bodies in your team and Fellaini is one of these.”
Van Gaal had suggested beforehand he was pleased with United’s progress, but conceded that the points tally was well below his true expectations.
“It’s not too good I believe because I think when we see the games normally we are the better team,” he said. “When you have 12 points out of eight in my opinion it is eight points too few.”
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