Louis Van Gaal Warns Gary Neville After Manchester United Labelled Pub Team

Louis van Gaal has told former Manchester United right-back Gary Neville to pick his words carefully in the aftermath of the Red Devils' win over Southampton.

Neville suggested United "got away with murder" after escaping St. Mary's with a 2-1 win after a frankly terrible performance. The Sky Sports pundit spoke on Monday Night Football, saying Sunday's match against Liverpool will see "the Dog and Duck versus the Red Lion," insinuating both sides currently offer the quality of English pub teams, as reported by Neil Ashton of the Daily Mail.

Van Gaal acknowledged Neville's comments and suggested someone of his stature should pick their phrases with greater caution. LvG's quotes were reported by Ashton:

"

He is an ex-legend, a legend, a former player of Manchester United. Murder? That’s an English expression—maybe. He can say everything because he is an ex-legend, but as an ex-legend, or as a legend, you have to know what you are saying. You can interpret that how you like. It’s not difficult. When I say that, he has to pay attention to his words.

"

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Neville quickly moved to play down suggestions a feud is developing between the pair:

Van Gaal added his own assessment of United's performance after the match, per the club's official Twitter account:

Supporters will certainly be wondering exactly how they woke up with three points on Tuesday morning. United started poorly and got progressively worse against Ronald Koeman's side, a surprising turn of events considering the side's four consecutive wins heading into the evening kick-off.

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

Southampton dominated physically, but were undone when Jose Fonte handed Robin van Persie a simple one-on-one finish after misplacing his pass back to goalkeeper Fraser Forster. The home side grew into the game, however, and began to press United into making simple mistakes.

Marouane Fellaini played a sloppy pass straight to the opposition prior to Graziano Pelle's equaliser. This was the story of the night for United, who appeared uninventive and pedestrian in possession. Youngster Paddy McNair was sacrificed prior to half-time after he struggled to deal with a number of difficult high balls, with Chris Smalling exiting the game prior to this through injury.

United were ragged in midfield and anonymous up top, but just about held it together in defence. When Shane Long missed a close-range header at the onset of the second-half, you just sensed Southampton may be made to pay. They duly were, as Van Persie ghosted to the far post from a pinpoint Wayne Rooney free-kick to sneak the ball between Forster's legs.

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

Southampton hit the target with just four of their 15 shots, per WhoScored.com. United scored with their only two attempts which called Forster into action. Once the second goal went in, Southampton's hassling and harrying stopped, leaving David De Gea to comfortably see the rest of the game out without too much hassle.

The victory felt like a steal from United's point of view, but ultimately, it's one which puts Van Gaal's team up to third.

"They're going to have to step it up," said Neville, per Ashton. "They look shaky on the ball. They lack counter-attack, they lack speed, they didn't have anything." It was certainly the worst performance of their 15-point haul from the last five matches—ranking up there with some of the David Moyes era failures—but United will now enter the tie with Liverpool in confident mood.

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

Brendan Rodgers' Reds are yet to impress this season and currently sit seven points behind their fierce rivals. Saturday's 0-0 draw with Sunderland highlighted a team devoid of creativity and attacking power, meaning a subdued game could take place at Old Trafford.

It has certainly been years since such poor United and Liverpool sides have lined up against each other. That doesn't make the tie any less important—a win for either would be huge—and could provide additional confidence heading into the Christmas schedule. United's happy hour continues despite their poor showing, a run Van Gaal will demand carries on once the old foe arrives.