Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal admitted he was as shocked as anyone by his side’s defending after they squandered a winning position in a remarkable 5-3 defeat by Leicester City.
United seemed all set for a first competitive away victory under Dutch manager Van Gaal after goals from Robin van Persie, Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera put them 3-1 up at the King Power Stadium on Sunday with just over half an hour to play.
But Jamie Vardy led Leicester to a famous victory by scoring one goal and having a role in their other four as the promoted Midlands club exposed United’s defensive weaknesses.
Leonardo Ulloa had scored for the hosts in the first half before a controversial David Nugent penalty and an Esteban Cambiasso strike had levelled the match at 3-3.
Goals from Vardy and an Ulloa spot-kick then saw Leicester to the win, with United’s misery compounded by the fact that Tyler Blackett was sent off in the incident that led to the hosts’ second penalty.
“How is it possible to give this game away? We have given the game away,” said van Gaal.
“Leicester has proven already in four games that they have a strong character and that when they are 3-1 down, you can play all the game with more possession but you cannot do these kind of things,” said the Dutch manager.
“I think also we created a lot of chances and made superb goals but a game lasts 90 minutes, you have to do that for 90 minutes, not 60 minutes.
“I think they didn’t create many chances, Leicester City. They have, I think, shot five times on the goal, two penalties and a header and then two shots.
“These five goals were existing after we have made errors in ball possession.
“You never expect it when you are 3-1 ahead, for the second time two goals ahead, then you have to kill the game and you have to keep possession.
“But we could not do that and then of course you gave it away with penalties. Then you cannot win a game any more when you do that.”
Di Maria had scored a spectacular goal that appeared to be helping United make progress under their new manager following last weekend’s 4-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford.
“You can kill the game, you can keep possession,” said Van Gaal. “We kept possession in the first 10 minutes, we scored a goal out of possession, a beautiful goal, but then you have to kill the game and we didn’t do that.
“You cannot say it’s a penalty or something like that. After the match you can say everything but it’s not science, I believe.”
Opposite number Nigel Pearson defended Van Gaal, suggesting the Dutchman should be under no pressure at all despite a less than convincing start to life at Old Trafford.
“It will be three years in November since I’ve been back here and it takes time to totally reflect what you are trying to do,” said Pearson.
“I have no doubts that Van Gaal will be fine, given time.
“It takes time to develop, it’s not just about quality. Man United on another day would have seen us off but you make your own luck. Because we responded positively we got ourselves back in the game.
“We have more quality than people are aware of.
“I’m very pleased. At 3-1 down I would have been happy to get a point. It will probably generate more scrutiny.”
Pearson added: “We’re disappointed with how we conceded our first few goals. But we had a response.
“The most important thing is we continued in a positive vein. It is not a case of being positive and also being naive. You need to find the right way to approach games. In the end we were full value for it.”
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Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
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The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
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MATCH INFO
France 3
Umtiti (8'), Griezmann (29' pen), Dembele (63')
Italy 1
Bonucci (36')
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Director: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Starring: Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Dakota Johnson
Rating: 4/5
Manchester City (0) v Liverpool (3)
Uefa Champions League, quarter-final, second leg
Where: Etihad Stadium
When: Tuesday, 10.45pm
Live on beIN Sports HD
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Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5
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A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
INFO
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THE RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Alnawar, Connor Beasley (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Raniah, Noel Garbutt, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh90,000 2,200m
Winner: Saarookh, Richard Mullen, Ana Mendez
6.30pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (PA) Rated Conditions Dh125,000 1,600m
Winner: RB Torch, Tadhg O’Shea, Eric Lemartinel
7pm: Al Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: MH Wari, Antonio Fresu, Elise Jeane
7.30pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,600m
Winner: Mailshot, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
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MATCH INFO
Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium, Malayisa
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD
* Second leg in Australia on October 10
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5