Louis Van Gaal Says Manchester United Made Mess of 'Easy' 2nd Half vs. Liverpool

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has poured further hurt on Liverpool after claiming his side could have done better than their 3-0 scoreline in what turned out to be an "easy" second half.

The Dutchman criticised his team for their profligacy in possession, with Jack Wilson of the Daily Star providing quotes from Van Gaal, who was left seeking a more clinical orchestration in attack:

"

In spite of the goals, we gave away a lot of chances and that was every time when we gave unnecessary balls away. That's what we've got to improve.

It was so easy playing in the second half because we had so much space. Nevertheless, we gave the ball away. I can't answer why - I'll have to ask the players.

"

It's true that while the Red Devils can be left content with the 3-0 drubbing, Liverpool had their opportunities to reverse the tide and may well have done so had they boasted a more respectable finishing presence.

Van Gaal has already made his mark in one of England's biggest rivalries and his comments on Liverpool's defiance—or lack thereof—hark back to the mind games of Old Trafford predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Nevertheless, United supporters should feel pleased that their manager isn't settling for what he sees as imperfect performances, with the club looking to regain its previous place as the best in the Premier League.

Brendan Rodgers may feel his team should have coped better in Sunday's away trip, but the official Manchester United Twitter account quoted Van Gaal saying his men were the deserving victors:

According to Squawka, United currently rank as the joint-second-best outfit in the English top flight (along with Manchester City and Everton) in terms of possession. Their average off 55 percent is beaten only by Arsenal's 56 percent.

However, despite now winning six on the bounce, it's true the squad still isn't sparkling as it has in years gone by. Van Gaal added that team selection was pivotal to the Liverpool result, giving the sense that there is no "set starting XI" at Old Trafford:

Van Gaal has given a tactically adept assessment of his players and is executing strategy more succinctly, but weakness is still evident in defence and midfield.

Now sitting in 10th, "easy" opponents Liverpool could have done more to prevent their downfall in Manchester—Dejan Lovren was partly accountable for gifting Robin van Persie his chance to add the hosts' third.

Bleacher Report's Duncan Castles recently discussed Rodgers' fate with Ryan Bailey, adding that Liverpool are already in the hunt for a replacement:

If Van Gaal feels his team could have taken more from the fixture, United's fans must be anxious to see what's to come if things improve as the helmsman envisions.

His summer signings are beginning to have more of an impact in their new abode, but even more encouraging for the English giants is to see existing stars enjoy rebirths under their new boss. 

Michael Carrick was instrumental in the win over Liverpool, Van Persie is rediscovering his scoring touch and Ashley Young has found new hope in a wing-back capacity. All three were present under predecessor David Moyes, but are now looking back to their best under Van Gaal's regime.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Manchester United and Liverpool will always make for a fierce encounter, but Van Gaal has helped in making March's return fixture all the spicier after labelling his rivals an easy foe to overcome.

Rodgers can only hope his side can resolve some of their issues between now and then, while his Old Trafford counterpart is seeking more of the same and then some.