Manchester United: Louis van Gaal concerned with lack of goals after West Brom defeat

Louis van Gaal has admitted he is concerned with Manchester United's lack of goals after his side suffered their third straight defeat against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford.

The 20-times English champions dominated the game after having 80% possession. However, the Baggies scored from a free kick in the second half after Chris Brunt's shot deflected Jonas Olsson past David De Gea.

The latest defeat is United's third straight defeat as they lost to Chelsea and Everton, before the West Brom clash. In all the three matches, the Red Devils failed to find the back of the net and the lack of goals has left Van Gaal disappointed.

"It's also a concern now [a lack of goals] because it's not a coincidence and, in spite of the way we have played against Chelsea, Everton and now against West Bromwich Albion, we have created a lot of chances and still we don't score," Van Gaal told United's official website.

"So you can say, as manager, we were not unlucky in every match. It's also that you have to finish these chances. We have lost three times in a row so it's also in the hands of my players. It is less secure [a top-four place]."

"I know what is happening. In the defence, West Brom shall park the bus and they have done that. The goalkeeper was fantastic and I think they did not give us sufficient space to score the goals as we have created enough chances to score but still from a difficult situation because a lot of bodies are in front of you.

"The goal was not even a chance – it was a free-kick and it was a deflected free-kick also. It is very unlucky when you see what we have created and how we missed the chances and how they scored. It's unbelievable but that is also the beauty of football," he added.

Robin van Persie had a chance to convert from the spot kick and also score the equaliser. However, the Dutchman's shot was saved by the keeper Boaz Myhill. Van Gaal praised West Brom stopper for managing to block the former Arsenal striker's shot.

"Normally, Robin shoots the penalties very good but it was also a good save from the keeper. You have to give the credit also to the goalkeeper but it was our biggest chance as it was without a lot of bodies in front of you," the United manager concluded.