Manchester United go second in the Premier League table after scrappy win at Watford
Not at their best, Van Gaal’s men grind out 2-1 win against promoted outfit
Louis van Gaal conceded Manchester United are far from pretty to watch after they ground out a 2-1 victory at Watford thanks to Troy Deeney’s late own goal.
Van Gaal’s side have been criticised for their conservative style of play under the Dutchman this season, but their latest defensive display paid dividends at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
They had taken an 11th minute lead through Memphis Depay and, although Deeney’s 87th minute penalty ended a run of 10 hours without conceding, United snatched the points at the death when Deeney turned Bastian Schweinsteiger’s effort into his own net in stoppage-time.
I know some people think our positional game is boring but I think it is a way to disorganise the opponent’s organisation
“I have changed the system,” Van Gaal said. “Our positional game was not so good and that was disappointing. I know some people think our positional game is boring but I think it is a way to disorganise the opponent’s organisation.
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“I was very satisfied about our defensive organisation. We didn’t give more than three chances away, one in the first half and two in the second.
“Memphis and Jesse Lingard played a very good game. We could have finished the game much earlier. I have to say after the penalty, I thought we gave it away but then you see the spirit of the game.
“We created three chances in a row. It was an injection, the equaliser. I am very proud I am the manager of that team.”
Van Gaal will now assess a depleted team ahead of Wednesday’s home Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven.