Louis van Gaal admitted the sound of boos meant the Manchester United crowd's disapproval of him and his team had never been clearer than in the 1-0 defeat to Southampton.
United, who only had one shot on target, were jeered off at both half-time and the final whistle and a chastened Van Gaal accepted his side did not fashion any opportunities.
Online gallery: Charlie Austin and Southampton shock Manchester United at Old Trafford
“It was very clear,” Van Gaal said. “It was a poor game for the fans. I can imagine [why] also because I have seen also a poor match. We didn’t create any chances.”
The 64-year-old accepted he faces a difficult task to win the fans’ support again, adding: “I cannot change that feeling. I can only work hard with my players to improve our game and that is what I am doing.
“Of course I am disappointed but already I put the question of how I can change this because we have to change this. That is my job and it is not an easy job at the moment.”
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Van Gaal was asked if he feared for his position after only three wins in 13 games and replied: “I cannot answer that.”
Southampton had not won a league game at Old Trafford since 1988 before triumphing twice in a row, with debutant Charlie Austin’s 88th minute header extending their fine run.
“After 27 years,” reflected manager Ronald Koeman. “It was well deserved. We did a great job in our organisation and we had spirit and belief.”
Koeman denied comments attributed to him in the Dutch press suggesting he was interested in the Chelsea job, explaining: “Everyone knows I am very happy in Southampton. I still have one year on my contract.
“That is always the problem if you do something in Dutch. Maybe they have difficulties to translate it in the right way.”
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