Leicester City 5 Manchester United 3: All the reaction

Louis Van Gaal shellshocked as United twice give away a two-goal lead to crash to defeat at the King Power Stadium

Van Gaal could not hide his despair as United collapsed at Leicester

Louis Van Gaal expressed his disbelief after Manchester United twice threw away two-goal leads to crash to a 5-3 defeat against Leicester City.

Ander Herrera had given United a comfortable 3-1 lead midway through the second half with a neat flick through his legs from point-blank range.

But Van Gaal's new-look side imploded at the back in the final half hour, conceding four goals including two penalties and losing 20-year-old Tyler Blackett to a late red card.

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Van Gaal, who had been eyeing consecutive Premier League victories for the first time as Manchester United boss said: "We had complete control. How is it possible that you give this game away?"

The first half had begun in perfect style for the Dutch manager as his expensively assembled side tore into newly promoted Leicester City.

Di Maria doubled United's advantage (GETTY IMAGES)

Robin Van Persie's early header from a Radamel Falcao cross was quickly followed by an artful lob from Angel Di Maria.

Leicester 5 Man United 3 Match Report

But a heavily disputed second half penalty from David Nugent pushed the United tide back, leaving Van Gaal with far more questions than answers as he surveys the wreckage.

"You never expect that when you're 3-1 ahead. You have to kill the game and keep possession. We couldn't do that," he said.

Ulloa dragged Leicester back in touch

Falcao departed on 72 minutes, though Van Gaal insisted that the substitution had nothing to do with the striker's display.

The United boss confirmed he took the Colombian off "not because he was bad – he played well – but I have to build [his fitness] up."

Wayne Rooney had a muted role as the Leicester goals hammered in at the King Power, and said he and his teammates were "disappointed" with the performance.

"We played some good stuff but we made too many mistakes as a team. We're all really disappointed," said Rooney.