Louis van Gaal says he thanked his Manchester United players for their second-half show at West Ham

Louis van Gaal said he personally thanked his Manchester United players for their second-half performance in the 1-1 draw at West Ham.

Daley Blind’s late equaliser denied West Ham what would have been a deserved win after Cheikhou Kouyate’s opener, and despite the hosts having chances to win the game, the Dutchman was pleased with the second-half showing.

Van Gaal told Sky Sports: “I think we played very badly in the first half, but we showed a lot of fight and spirit in the second, especially after their goal.

“We gave it away, and then we played football, but you have to do it from the first minute.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

“But I have to say what spirit my team showed after going behind, and I have thanked my players for that.”

Manchester United introduced Marouane Fellaini for the final stages at Upton Park, and the Belgian provided the assist for Blind’s equaliser by winning an aerial ball.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce claimed his side could not cope with “long ball United”, but Van Gaal returned the compliment by insisting he had prepared to face long balls from the hosts themselves.

“They are playing long balls, we know that in advance, but they won all the second balls.

"I think with Fellaini you have to change your style, and we did, and because of Fellaini we have created a lot of chances.”

United remain in fourth place in the Premier League, and have now lost just once in 17 games in all competitions.