Van Gaal: I have not matched fans expectations

Louis van Gaal has admitted he has not lived up to the expectations of the Manchester United fans.

United fell to their sixth league defeat of the season on Saturday, losing 1-0 to Southampton at Old Trafford for the second campaign in succession.

Van Gaal has always cited the fans' belief in him as a reason to continue in his position - but the Dutchman faced a crescendo of boos from the home supporters as he left the field at full-time.

Asked whether he still remained determined to continue at the helm, Van Gaal replied: “This question I shall never answer.

“I’m very disappointed I cannot reach the expectations of the fans. They have, or they had, great expectations of me, and I cannot fulfil them, so I am very frustrated.”

United’s late defeat, courtesy of Charlie Austin’s 84th minute debut goal, saw Van Gaal’s side fall 10 points behind Premier League leaders Leicester and the Dutchman admits the team is underachieving.

“Yes, because we want to be in the top three, and we’re not in the top three, and now, after today, our competitors have won, so it’s a setback,” he said.

“You cannot say it is that aspect or that aspect, because there are different aspects that play a role and we are not very lucky with our injuries. But nevertheless, we had to win, and we could have won, but it is not happening.”