Louis van Gaal blasts Manchester United strikers for missing 'very easy chances'

United drew 0-0 with Championship Middlesbrough before losing on penalties

(Reuters)

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has criticised his strikers for costing his team the chance to reach the quarter-final of the League Cup.

United drew 0-0 with Middlesbrough at Old Trafford before losing on penalties - Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Ashley Young all missing.

The Dutch coach says that his strikers must perform better in goal, especially at home, where United have not scored since Chris Smalling's winner against Wolfsburg on 30 September or 247 minutes of football.

“We are out so I’m very disappointed, the players are very disappointed and the fans are very disappointed, because we were so close," said Van Gaal.

"We created so many chances, especially in the second half.

"When you are not finishing the chances - and they were very easy chances in front of goal - then it is very difficult to win a game.

“We have to solve the problem. We were not lucky, but you have to force the luck.”

Van Gaal is convinced that his side can turn it around at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

"We have played two matches, both 0-0. It is a concern but I do know also that it can easily turn around in the next game."