Tottenham vs. Manchester United: Mauricio Pochettino and Louis Van Gaal Reaction

Mauricio Pochettino and Louis van Gaal were both left frustrated as Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United played out an abrasive 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane.  

The Red Devils had the best of the first period but were unable to find a way past Hugo Lloris despite a flurry of chances created. Spurs controlled most of the play after the break, but they lacked any real impetus in the final third of the pitch, meaning David de Gea was scarcely called into action.

The United manager certainly didn't enjoy the second period, per Bleacher Report UK:

Van Gaal also bemoaned his team's inability to put the game to bed in the opening 45 minutes, which he described as their "best performance" of the season, per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, and a bit of bad luck too, per Ben McAleer of WhoScored.com:

The Red Devils manager elaborated on the particular instances in the game in which he felt his team could have been more clinical, per the club's official website:

"

We gave three possibilities or chances away but we could have also scored from three possibilities. Juan Mata was free at the 16 metres, van Persie could have scored and Falcao could have scored. But the first half was a fantastic half of ours, but then you have to finish the attacks and we were not so effective today.

"

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

By contrast, Pochettino felt that a draw was a fair result, but was disappointed that his team were not awarded a penalty when Wayne Rooney looked to have hauled down Harry Kane late in the game, per McAleer:

Tottenham goalkeeper Lloris was in exceptional form in the first half, swatting away United attempts on myriad occasions. So it was little surprise to see Pochettino pay tribute to his goalkeeper in the aftermath of the match, per Hotspur Related:

Van Gaal was also openly unhappy about the playing two games in three days. And after the match, Dutchman was concerned about his players' fitness as a direct consequence, per McAleer:

Pochettino thought his players handled the fixture pile up pretty well, per Hotspur Related:

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

On the cusp on a new calendar year, managers often reflect on the previous 12 months and the critical spell to come. Despite failing to pick up all three points here, Van Gaal was in boisterous mood when asked about how he feels this team will fare for the rest of the current season and beyond, per McAleer:

Pochettino was a lot more coy when quizzed about any potential plans for next year and the upcoming transfer window, per Hotspur Related: 

Both sides probably would have taken a draw on the brink of this one, and the result keeps each team on course to achieve their respective aims come the end of the season. From a United perspective, this kind of performance showcased exactly why they aren’t quite title challengers yet, but they certainly have enough to breach the top four and are making undeniably positive strides.

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Tottenham are a side that will harbour similar aims come the end of the season, but unless they invest in January, the Champions League spots look beyond them. Kane is a willing runner and physical threat up top, but Spurs desperately need more options at the sharp end of the pitch to compliment the intricate, creative talents of Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela.