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

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says Manchester United resorted to "thump it forward and see" tactics to salvage a point at Upton Park.

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 United kept putting in the box," said Allardyce.

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

United manager Louis van Gaal said the tactics were necessary after a lacklustre first half from his side 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 when Luke Shaw was sent off in the closing minutes after being booked for a second time for a foul on Stewart Downing.

"It was tactically not so smart of Shaw," Van Gaal said. "I think the referee could give him a yellow card, but he doesn't touch him."

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

"It is a missed chance," said Van Gaal, who host Burnley on Wednesday.