Sam Allardyce: 'We couldn't cope with long-ball Man Utd'

United trailed to Cheikhou Kouyate's sublime volley before Daley Blind levelled in the 93rd minute.

"In the end we couldn't cope with the long balls Manchester Untied kept putting in the box," said Allardyce.

"It was just, thump it forward and see what they could get, and in the end it paid off for them."

United manager Louis van Gaal insisted the tactics were necessary after a lacklustre opening half from his side, which left him "disappointed" and "frustrated".

"I cannot say that I am very happy with the point, because I'm very disappointed about the poor first half and we can do much better," the Dutchman added.

"We need the guts to play football along the floor. That we have done in the second half."

United finished the game with 10 men as Luke Shaw was sent off for two bookable offences.

Van Gaal insisted the second yellow card, given by referee Mark Clattenburg in the final moments for a foul on Stewart Downing, should not have been given.

He added: "It was in front of me. The player [Downing] was jumping, but I think it was tactically not so smart of Shaw.

"I think the referee could give him a yellow card, but he doesn't touch him."

United could have moved to within three points of second-placed Manchester City with a win.

But they start Wednesday's match against Burnley at Old Trafford five points adrift of their neighbours.

"It is a missed chance," said Van Gaal.

(BBC)