Austin scores on his debut against Man United

(L-R) Manchester United’s Morgan Schneiderlin, Chris Smalling and Ander Herrera react after Southampton scores the opening goal during their English Premier League match on January 23, 2016 RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. “When you have these results you have to have confidence, but the pressure of Southampton was also high on the ball”.

“Yes, because it was very clear”, the United manager said when asked if it was the worst reaction he had heard to a result during his time in charge at Old Trafford. “I can not deny that, I saw the match”, said Van Gaal.

The Portugese is understood to be keen on succeeding his former Barcelona mentor Van Gaal at Old Trafford, and has written to United chiefs to explain his plans, according to the report in the Independent on Sunday.

United remain fifth, but are now five points below Tottenham Hotspur, who strengthened their grip on fourth place by coming from behind to beat London rivals Crystal Palace 3-1 thanks to a stunning Dele Alli goal.

Manchester United’s performances under Van Gaal, which have been dour and unexciting, based predominantly around ball possession, have drawn criticism from a number of corners and the Red Devils were booed off the pitch after the Southampton game.

“Our defence in set-plays was weaker because I changed Fellaini and after that I had to change Darmian”.

Gill formed a formidable partnership with ex-United boss Sir Alex Ferguson which translated into a series of Premier League successes as well as one Champions League triumph in 2008. Charlie Austin’s late headed victor was the second effort on target in the entire game, nearly 80 minutes after Daley Blind’s speculative long-ranger had found the secure grasp of Fraser Forster in the Saints goal. “I believe in the corrections of fellow players – I think that is more important than the correction of a manager”.

“We did a great job, in our team organisation”. Football is not only defending but also creating chances.