Louis Van Gaal Defends Tactics After Manchester United Draw vs. West Ham

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has defended his approach to the game after the Red Devils were held to a 0-0 draw with West Ham United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The goalless draw was United's fifth at home this season, and boos could be heard at the final whistle, according to Stuart Mathieson of the Manchester Evening News.

However, Van Gaal does not understand the calls for his team to attack more, per Paul Hirst of Press Association Sport:

Rob Dawson of the MEN believed Van Gaal had a point but equally understands the fans' frustrations:

According to Hirst and BBC Sport's Howard Nurse, the Dutchman was otherwise pleased with the performance—save for his side's finishing:

Per BBC Sport's Shamoon Hafez, Van Gaal expanded on his comments and highlighted a gilt-edged chance for Anthony Martial that went awry: "The most important thing is you dominant, create and you finish. Football is scoring goals. The first two basic aspects of football we have done. When you don't finish from a metre in front of an empty goal you can say nothing anymore."

The 64-year-old remained upbeat, though, and believes he not only has the backing of the fans but that the goals will come eventually:

Lastly, per the club's official Twitter feed, he gave updates on Morgan Schneiderlin and Paddy McNair, who were both substituted due to injury:

The Red Devils have accrued just 20 goals in 15 Premier League outings this season and have drawn seven of their last 10 games—five of which ended 0-0—so the frustration of the Old Trafford faithful is perfectly legitimate.

United are paying for allowing an mass exodus of attacking players in the summer—the likes of Angel Di Maria, Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and Javier Hernandez were all shown the exit door—while Anthony Martial and Memphis Depay were the only reinforcements.

Martial has been in strong form this season, but at just 20 years old, he cannot be expected to carry the team, while captain Wayne Rooney has been thoroughly disappointing and would likely have added little had he been on the field.

United remain just three points off first place, but if the club are to maintain their title challenge, a clinical forward addition must be made in January.