The stuttering draw for Louis van Gaal’s United highlighted the need for attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes on September 1. Their third game was a home tie against Newcastle United that in theory was a “should win” type game.
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Van Gaal admits that his club may be in the market for a striker this summer however – but only if he is “the best in the world”.
Van Gaal conceded United could have done better with some of their crosses. “My worries is that we have to dominate the opponent”. “I’m pleased he performed he did like he did”.
“It was frustrating. We started great and sharp and we created some chances but didn’t finish them”.
Wayne Rooney, restored to his customary position up front this season, had a goal disallowed for offside and turned in an improved showing after a quiet start to the campaign.
For the first time in the club’s 125-year history, the team has scored goals in the top flight of English football – and won a game. “When you see the TV it’s very doubtful so you need eyes then because it is like this, it is doubtful and the rules are when it is doubtful, that you not flag”.
“I have lots of options”, the United manager said, the Daily Telegraph reports.
Newcastle were then forced into another rearguard action as Louis van Gaal’s side – who looked jaded after their midweek UEFA Champions League exertions – went in search of a late victor, with Krul denying Javier Hernandez superbly before Chris Smalling hit the post.
When asked about Rooney’s performances as the sole striker, he added: “He has to do what the striker has to do in our system and he does that, so I am very satisfied with him“. But Van Gaal, whose side take a 3-1 lead to Bruges for the second leg on Wednesday, said that such inconsistency was to be expected.
The club have been struggling to score goals in their last three league fixtures, registering 1-0 victories against Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa before drawing Newcastle United 0-0 at the weekend. It’s perhaps that Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj are just having a slow start to the season and that when their form returns so will the goals.
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However, when the breakthrough didn’t come Newcastle were easily able to get a foothold back into a match they could have been out of in the opening 20 minutes.
