Louis van Gaal praises his Manchester United players for their 1-1 draw at West Ham

Louis van Gaal said he personally “thanked” his Manchester United players for their second-half performance in the 1-1 draw at West Ham.

Daley Blind’s late equaliser denied West Ham what would have been a deserved win after Cheikhou Kouyate’s opener, and despite the hosts having chances to win the game, the Dutchman was pleased with the second-half showing.

Van Gaal told Sky Sports: “I think we played very badly in the first half, but we showed a lot of fight and spirit in the second, especially after their goal.” 

“We gave it away, and then we played football, but you have to do it from the first minute. But I have to say what spirit my team showed after going behind, and I have thanked my players for that.”