Louis van Gaal calls for technology to help referees after Wayne Rooney goal disallowed in Manchester United draw

Newcastle United manager McLaren 'delighted with both the performance and the result'

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal looks on during the Premier League match against Newcastle United at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, on August 22, 2015. Jason Cairnduff / Reuters

MANCHESTER // Louis van Gaal criticised the decision to disallow a Wayne Rooney goal as Manchester United were held 0-0 by Newcastle United on Saturday.

The United captain was ruled offside when he met Adnan Januzaj’s pass and beat Tim Krul in the third minute of the stalemate. But Van Gaal said he should have been given the benefit of the doubt and called for technology to help ­officials.

“Wayne scored,” Van Gaal said. “Only it was not allowed. When you see the television, it is very doubtful so you need eyes. It is doubtful and the rules are that when it is doubtful then do not flag. You need more equipment to help the referees and linesmen because it is not easy.”

United have only scored twice in their first three league games, but Van Gaal said: “We were three times the best team. Today, we dominated.”

Van Gaal would not comment on reports United are interested in Barcelona forward Neymar but told David de Gea, who was omitted from the squad for a fourth straight game, that he might go back into the team when the transfer window shuts.

“He has to prove it like every other player,” said the Dutchman, who will not select De Gea this month.

Chris Smalling hit the post for United and Aleksandar Mitrovic struck the bar for Newcastle, who had lost their previous seven away games.

“With more belief and better football we could have nicked it and won the game,” Newcastle manager Steve McClaren said. “But I am delighted with both the performance and the result. Attitude, defensive organisation, discipline: all the things you need away from home, we had. After that you need a bit of luck and we had that too.”

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