Chris Smalling reveals the reaction that greeted their performance against Burnley…
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has admitted that manager Louis van Gaal was distinctly unimpressed with their team’s performance, despite securing all three points in a 3-1 win over Burnley on Wednesday.
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The England international was the surprise hero of the game, scoring twice as United moved into third place in the Premier League table. Robin van Persie sealed the points late on, after Danny Ings had given the visitors hope.
Smalling, who was quoted by the Daily Express, revealed: “I think the manager was shocked at half-time. The manager said in the dressing room that the first half was unacceptable and all the players know that.
“It wasn’t a 3-1 scoreline game. Especially in that first half, we all let ourselves down. We could have played much better. That first half was probably the worst we’ve had all season, we were lucky to go into the break with a lead.
“We knew that it wasn’t good enough in the first half. We were lucky to get away with it, and we had to stand up and fight in the second-half.”
Van Gaal’s side have won three of their last four league games to move two points clear of fifth place Arsenal. However, their performances have continued to disappoint the Dutchman, who is desperate to see his side improve after a difficult start to the campaign.
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