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Agence France-Presse

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal lamented his side’s lack of cutting edge after they lost 1-0 at home to Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.
United dominated possession but failed to register a single shot on target for the first time in a league game at Old Trafford since May 2009, allowing Southampton to prevail through Dusan Tadic’s 69th-minute strike. 

	They were lucky to score out of nothing. That is very disappointing

	Louis van Gaal
It was Southampton’s first win at Old Trafford in 27 years.
Victory took Ronald Koeman’s side above United into third place, but Van Gaal, who fell out with Koeman during their time together at Ajax, felt the visitors were fortunate to leave Manchester with all three points.
“We played a much better game than Southampton,” the Dutchman said after United’s 11-game unbeaten run came to an end.
“They were lucky to score out of nothing. That is very disappointing.

	READ MORE on English Premier League here
“We didn’t create so much, but we dominated the game. They came for a draw, I believe, and they go away with a victory. That is disappointing.”
Van Gaal also revealed that Robin van Persie, who was substituted in the 61st minute, injured his ankle and would not be able to travel to Zurich on Monday for Fifa’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.

	I think overall we had the better chances and played the better football and deserved to win, but we were punished

	Wayne Rooney
United captain Wayne Rooney, who began the game in central midfield, only to be pushed forward after Tadic’s goal, felt the home side had not deserved to lose.
“That is football, that is how it goes,” he said.
“I think overall we had the better chances and played the better football and deserved to win, but we were punished.
“I have seen Southampton play better. We stopped a lot of their threats, but we got punished. We have to move on and focus on the next game.”
Van Gaal has now collected the same number of points after 21 Premier League matches as predecessor David Moyes did during his time in charge.
Southampton manager Koeman was pleased to see his side prevail, having seen them beaten 2-1 by United in December’s reverse fixture despite bossing the game.
“Juan Mata had two big chances at the end. We missed that luck in the home game and we got that today,” he said.
“If you play against a big side, you need spirit and quality, but you also need belief in yourself and your teammates and we showed that today.
“We have had good organisation all season, we have 11 clean sheets in 21 games and that is key to being successful.
"We have aspirations (of securing a European finish), but at the beginning of the season you have to wait. Now we can say we fight for a European place.”

Glenn Hoddle, who managed the Saints from 2000-01, believes victory at Old Trafford will give Koeman’s side confidence for the rest of the season.
"This will give them massive belief," Hoddle said.
"I think they are a group of players now that believe they are good enough to get in the top four. I have a sneaky idea they will make the top four because of the belief they have now."
Additional reporting Reuters


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English Premier League 2014-15

They were lucky: Van Gaal laments United firepower as Southampton score famous win 

Southampton players celebrate their first victory at Old Trafford in 27 years. Photo: AFP

Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett cannot stop Dusan Tadic  scoring the only goal. Photo: AFP

For the team that lost so many stars in the off-season, the prospect of Champions League qualification becomes more realistic each week for the Saints. Photo: AP

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman raises his arms in triumph, then embraces goal scorer Dusan Tadic after the final whistle. Photos: EPA, AFP


Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata misses a chance late in the game. Photo: AFP

Sport

Football

Manchester boss says his side were better but they register no shots on target in shock 1-0 loss at Old Trafford


Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal lamented his side’s lack of cutting edge after they lost 1-0 at home to Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.
