Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal admitted that he needed to control his emotions after he dramatically dived to the ground to complain about Alexis Sanchez going down too easily during yesterday’s match against Arsenal.
Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-2 in what was a slightly surprising result as United put out a very inexperienced squad due to the 14 injuries suffered by them.
Discussing the fall to the ground, the United manager said: "At that time, you are a little bit too emotional. It is not good for the referee, linesman, fourth official. But it happens not so much. Normally, I'm sitting on my bench and I have a lot of criticism for that.
"But now I am off my bench and I am getting a lot of criticism because I am doing that. But I have apologised to the referee and linesman and everything is solved I hope. I have to control my emotions. I say that also to the players."
The fans absolutely loved Van Gaal’s theatrics and when the Dutchman was told about it, he responded in his usual dry manner saying:
"The fans are not always right."
Arsene Wenger remains defiant after loss against Manchester United
As the London club's ability to make the most of their best chance in years to win the Premier League was called into question, manager Wenger was adamant his team had the character to bounce back in the next two games.
After being outplayed at home by Barcelona in the Champions League in midweek and then losing ground to second-placed Tottenham Hotspur with their defeat at United, former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness, now a trenchant TV analyst, led the shrill chorus of criticism.
"Arsenal today bordered on being a joke," the former Scotland hardman said on Sky Sports. "It was tailor-made for a proper team to come here and really do a number on a very under-strength Man United. And they didn't.
"I'll stand on my head if they prove me wrong and go and win this league because that was totally unacceptable."
"We lost three points but we have to show we are up for the fight and give absolutely everything in our next game," said Wenger. "Things can change quickly only if you keep going and keep believing.
"Why is it difficult to stay positive? We can show on Wednesday night that we have great character and mental response and that's what we want to do.
"I couldn't question our commitment or desire at all."
Yesterday’s loss against Manchester United might jus come back to haunt the Frenchman if they fail to capture the Premier League title
