#INSERT type:image caption:Daley Blind salvaged a point for United after a below-par display. END#
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal criticised his side's first-half display at West Ham but praised his players' determination after Daley Blind's late goal salvaged a 1-1 draw.
The Hammers had been leading through Cheikhou Kouyate's fine strike early in the second half but were unable to hold on as Daley Blind struck a low effort home in injury time.
Van Gaal told Sky Sports, in quotes reported by United's official website: "I think we played very badly in the first half and we showed a lot of spirit in the second half, especially after their goal. "We gave that goal away, I think.
"Then we played football -- but you have to do it from the first minute. I have to say what a spirit my team showed after falling 1-0 behind. I have thanked my players for that."
Asked what had made him particularly unhappy about his players' first-half performance, the Dutchman explained: "When we had the ball we didn't play it along the floor, but also when we lost the ball you have to win the first and the second balls much better than we did in the first half.
"Because they were playing long balls, we knew that in advance, all of the second balls were for West Ham United and that is why we were under a lot of pressure.
"That is also why the players lost their confidence to play the ball along the floor when we were in possession."
Van Gaal said he had been "happy with second half, and we could have won, but you never start like that" adding that he was happy for goalscorer Blind "but he also has to play better in first half."
He explained that the introduction of substitute Marouane Fellaini had brought about a more direct approach, explaining: "With Marouane Fellaini, you have to change your playing style.
"That's what we did, and because of him we created lots of chances. I'm pleased that we have a draw."