Van Gaal desperate for Christmas cracker at United

“The Newcastle game was one of the best performances I have had since I have been here as manager and we lost”.

United side were beaten into submission by a spirit Bournemouth side, who added the scalp of the 13-time Premier League champions to their record a week after their famous win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Van Gaal may have tested the patience of United’s demanding fans in the week, suggesting the club, for all its pedigree and riches, can not automatically expect success, but he retains the advantage of having the thickest skin.

He said of the Wolfsburg match: “When I analyse that game, in the first half we missed so many chances”. Previous year the fans all showed their belief and that is the most important thing.

“And I think there are a number of players who have been hiding behind the criticisms that Louis Van Gaal has been getting”.

Watching centre-back Simon Francis steam through United’s left-side seconds before Joshua King’s victor said it all about the current state of this Manchester United team.

“Of course I’m concerned because we have lost two matches in a row, and that is not a usual thing, so we have to stick together and prepare for our match against Norwich”.

“Because of the injuries, we have to play with a lot of youngsters, but I have to say that the youngsters have played well, especially Cameron Borthwick-Jackson. But nobody hears that – they don’t want to hear me”.

“I know that my words will not comfort you very much, but I must tell you that in these moments, the support you give even after such disappointments makes this club special”.

“I mean, we’ve had a few injuries, I’m not making any excuses but if you look at the injuries”.

Nine minutes into the second half, the Cherries took the lead again through another set-piece.

“We have to put the heads up again and believe in ourselves because that is also very important”.

“I think I probably prefer to focus on the week rather than the individual games”, said Howe. I can’t see how it’s going to get better now.

Manchester United are struggling with a lengthy injury list at present but Van Gaal says the trio should be fully fit when Chelsea visit Old Trafford.

United’s loss only exacerbates a frustrating week where 3-2 defeat in Wolfsburg dumped Van Gaal’s men out of the Champions League.

“To be out of the Champions League is a big blow for us – you can’t deny that”.

“You have to try something and we were not the dominant team so you have to change something in the position of the players, so you hope that he contributes to the making of a goal and we have tried that”.