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‘Big dressing room silence’: Van Gaal says Man Utd face challenge to rediscover form

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal admits it will be difficult to turn his side’s fortunes around following their 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.

The depleted Red Devils failed to bounce back from their disappointing Champions League exit last week and the result leaves United without a win in their last five matches.

United still remain fourth in the Premier League, but Van Gaal admits he faces a challenge to help his side rediscover their form in order to pick up results.

“The silence in the dressing room was big,” explained Van Gaal.

“It is always the same, even when you win. You have to do the same things but, when you lose, then it is more difficult because every player is very disappointed.

“It is a very bad moment to lose. We have to put the heads up again and believe in ourselves because that is also very important.

“We have to train, we have to prepare for Norwich City and we have to beat them. That is our aim and purpose but it is, of course, more difficult when you lose two times in a row.”

United were behind after just two minutes when David De Gea was beaten directly from a corner by Junior Stanislas.

Marouane Fellaini equalised on 24 minutes but former United striker Josh King sealed the win for Eddie Howe’s side in the second-half from a well worked free-kick routine.

Van Gaal’s side controlled the possession but worryingly had just one shot on target once they fell behind for the second time.

United’s injury crisis worsened also with Jesse Lingard and Paddy McNair both limping off.

The Red Devils have now conceded five goals in their last two games and the United boss said he was left frustrated by the manner in which his defence dealt with set-pieces.

“It is very disappointing because, in spite of the early goal, we came on very well in the match, scored an equaliser and we created more chances to score a second goal.

“We didn’t do that in the first half but we had the feeling in the players, the management and the staff that we could win this game. 

“Then the set-play causes the second goal of Bournemouth and you cannot accept it as a player or a manager.”

Image courtesy of BT Sport via YouTube, with thanks.

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