Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal hails 'best performance of the season' despite Chelsea defeat

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal claims his side produced their 'best performance of the season' in the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday 18 April.

Despite the absence of Michael Carrick due to injury, Van Gaal's side dominated possession throughout the contest.

However, the Premier League giants failed to take their chances and were condemned to defeat thanks to Eden Hazard's first-half goal.

Van Gaal expressed his delight over his team's performance although admitted his frustration over the result.

"In my opinion it was the best performance we have had this season. We were not effective because we have created, despite the defensive organisation of Chelsea, three chances in the first half and eight in the second half," van Gaal told his post-match press conference.

"That is unbelievably good. We were the dominant team on the pitch but we lose. Everything is the result. Everybody can have his own opinion and the winner takes it all. It's a song, but it's like that."

Chelsea's victory leaves the Blues top of the Premier League, 10 points ahead of Arsenal and eleven above United.

But while the Blues still have one game in hand, van Gaal refused to give up on the title.

"The title is not definitely gone because we can still win 15 points," he said.