Louis van Gaal: Former Red Devils chief executive David Gill admits Manchester United have under-performed

Gill formed a formidable partnership with ex-United boss Sir Alex Ferguson

(Getty)

Former Manchester United chief executive David Gill has struggled to defend the style of play at Old Trafford this season, admitting he went to the cinema instead of watching Match of the Day on Saturday night.

Louis van Gaal, the beleaguered Red Devils manager, yet again suffered intense criticism as his side fell to a late 1-0 home defeat to Southampton, a result which puts them 10 points behind Premier League leaders Leicester City.

Gill formed a formidable partnership with ex-United boss Sir Alex Ferguson which translated into a series of Premier League successes as well as one Champions League triumph in 2008.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: “We all hoped results would be better. I know everyone at the club is working hard to turn things around. We have to stick together.

“I am not going to sit here and say it is that attractive," added Gill, who confessed he went to the cinema on Saturday night instead of enduring highlights of the defeat to Southampton.

“For me, what we did in the past was great but you have to have the players to do that.

“Manchester United going back to the 1950s played in a certain way. We want attacking football and I am sure that will be a key part going forward."