Louis Van Gaal says 'I am not God' after Manchester United defeat

United lost 1-0 to West Brom at Old Trafford in a very disappointing display with Chris Brunt’s deflected free-kick proving to be decisive.

But Van Gaal, who saw striker Robin van Persie miss a second-half penalty, has admitted his frustration and reiterated that he can only do so much.

“I have said that in advance also, you think that I am God but it’s not like that,” he said.

“What is happening is happening always because when your team is playing better always they shall defend more - your opponent - and that you can see.

“Also Everton at home had a very defensive organisation, and Chelsea at home also, that they come here like that you can expect but also in our away matches they are defending.

“We have to disorganise that organisation but that is the next step in the process,” he added.

“We have more time on the ball, they have more time to break, we need to play with higher ball speed and that is difficult, to do that against so many bodies in front of you.”

Van Gaal also moved to dismiss concerns that United could slip out of the Champions League places as Liverpool cut their deficit to four points after victory over QPR.

“Maybe you will remember I have said until the end that it was a rat race,” he added.

“We were seven points ahead and I was the only one who said it was still possible. We have to keep the confidence and finish the chances because it starts with creating chances, and we had the chances today to finish.

“It is a pity and it is disappointing but it is much worse when you don’t create any chances in spite of the organisation like West Brom did but also like, for example, Chelsea did.”