• Premier League

Van Gaal: United too sloppy in possession

Louis van Gaal led Manchester United to their first away win in seven months at the Emirates on Saturday © Getty Images

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes there is plenty of room for improvement from his side, despite leading them to their first away win of the season at Arsenal.

A Kieran Gibbs own goal and a late effort from captain Wayne Rooney gave handed United a 2-1 victory - their first on the road in over seven months - with Arsenal only able to manage a consolation through substitute Olivier Giroud.

United enter the top four of the Premier League, but had to ride their luck following a slow start, and Van Gaal said: "I was not pleased with the way we played in the first half.

"But it was an away game against a top team and we have won. It's also the right moment to win this game.

"I have to say the first 35 minutes we gave the ball away so easily that it's not possible for a top team. Because of that, Arsenal created a lot of chances.

"Fortunately we have a very good goalkeeper [David De Gea], and after the first 35 minutes you saw that we were coming back in the game and created a few possibilities.

"I told them at half-time that when we keep the ball, when we show confidence, then we shall create many chances.

"We created at least three big chances, and [Angel] Di Maria could have finished the game. But I am very happy, of course."

Luke Shaw was forced off after just 15 minutes as Van Gaal saw yet another player added to the United injury list.

"First I hope the players are coming back from injuries because it's unbelievably difficult to create the consistency in the team because I have to change my line-up every week," Van Gaal added. "Maybe you don't know, but I am a coach who always has the same line-up, maybe I change one or two. But not constantly so many players."

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