Louis van Gaal says Man Utd must defend better

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says his side must improve their defending of set-pieces after conceding from a dead ball against Stoke City.

Peter Crouch headed down a corner for Ryan Shawcross to volley Stoke ahead, with United needing Radamel Falcao's equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw.

"We know that is happening. We have had two meetings about it," said Van Gaal.

"We knew Crouch was heading the ball to a second player, who was totally free. That was very bad."

The draw at the Britannia Stadium was United's third in four games over Christmas and was another instance of points dropped away from home this season.

Van Gaal's side have won eight of the 10 games played at Old Trafford this term, but have won only two of their nine games on the road.

"We have to play better in away matches," added the Dutchman. "In my opinion, there is no difference in away matches to at home because our fans are fantastic. We have to do better."

Apart from Falcao's goal, United had only one other shot on target.

Stoke, meanwhile, hit the post and had a strong penalty claim rejected.

"We didn't deserve any more than a draw," said the former Netherlands boss. "They were closer to a winning goal than us.

"We had time and space to build play, but we didn't create much."

United lost Ashley Young to a hamstring injury during the second half, with Van Gaal admitting the winger could be out for "many weeks".

"I'm not a doctor so we have to wait for tomorrow or the day after," he said.