Louis van Gaal is looking for Manchester United to become more clinical next term after the Red Devils’ last home game of 2014/15 ended in a draw with Arsenal.
United’s hopes of a third-placed finish looked to have been boosted thanks to Ander Herrera’s sixth Premier League goal midway through the first half, only for it to be cancelled out by Tyler Blackett’s late own-goal.
And Van Gaal conceded that his outfit – who face Hull in the final game of the campaign next week – were too wasteful with their chances, admitting that it is an area they must improve on next season.
“It is a pity because in spite of a lot of injuries we were [the] better [team] for one hour, but you have to finish these games,” said Van Gaal.
“You can say that we are unlucky because it is the third deflected goal in a row that we have conceded.
“I have said to our players though, that it is not unlucky, you have to force the luck. We were better than our opponents for one hour but only 1-0 up.
“After that, when you see Arsenal wanting to get back into the game, you have to stick together and play more compact – not be as open as we were.
“We are going to have many more big games next season now, so we need to get better on this.”
United started strong at Old Trafford, and went ahead when Herrera volleyed in at the back-post after latching onto Ashley Young’s cross.
But in spite of dominating proceedings up until the hour-mark, United were unable to snatch a second, with matters being made worse when David De Gea – heavily linked with a summer switch to Real Madrid – went off injured with just over ten minutes of normal time remaining.
Victor Valdes came on in his place, but his United debut got off to the worst-possible start when Theo Walcott’s cross deflected off youngster Blackett and looped over the former Barcelona goalkeeper.
The draw all but cements United’s fourth-place finish, with Arsenal two points ahead with a game in hand, but Van Gaal insists United have achieved their goal for this season.
“I am satisfied because we set our goal at the start of the season [to finish in the top four] and we have reached that goal,” he said.
“We have to play a qualifying round now. We have not qualified for the Champions League yet.
“It could be very stressful – you can meet an opponent who is midway through their season. It is not so easy and we have to realise that.”
Main image courtesy of FIFATV via YouTube, with thanks.
