Louis van Gaal explains Ashley Young 'snub' after bringing on Phil Jones and Nick Powell in Manchester United loss

Manchester United compounded their midweek Champions League exit with a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal (GETTY IMAGES)

Louis van Gaal has said Ashley Young was not fit after Manchester United fans reacted furiously to the Dutchman's substitutions in the 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth.

With United chasing the game at the Vitality Stadium, Young remained on the bench, with youngster Nick Powell and defender Phil Jones coming on instead. Youngster Andreas Pereira had come on in the first half for the injured Jesse Lingard.

The decisions appeared perplexing considering United were in need of a goal after Josh King's 54th-minute strike put Bournemouth ahead. However, Van Gaal said Young remained on the bench due to a lack of fitness.

"In training he had a feeling that he was not fit enough,” said the former Netherlands coach.

Manchester United fans, still reeling from a Champions League exit in midweek, reacted angrily on Twitter as events unfolded on the south coast.

Van Gaal said after the match in which Marouane Fellaini equalised after Junior Stanislas has scored straight from a corner that he thought his side were unfortunate to lose.

"I had the feeling we could win but (on) the second set-play they scored again and then it is very difficult to equalise because Bournemouth is fighting together and pressing always.

"We tried until the end, we had chances, but then you need also some luck."

He had praise for some of his side's young understudies in defence, though. "I have to say that (18-year-old left back) Cameron Borthwick-Jackson did very well. I don't think it is because of (injuries) that we lost.

"We showed character I believe. I said it to the players after the match. Commitment is very high and that is the most important thing."

Asked about the growing pressure on him, he shrugged: "It's always like that. It's not new. It's a matter of belief, if you believe in this manager or not. That's the most important thing."