Louis van Gaal hits out at strikers as goal-shy Man Utd held at unlucky Crystal Palace

Louis van Gaal says he is concerned after watching his side labour to a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace

LOUIS VAN GAAL admits his misfiring strikers are a "big concern" after Manchester United were held to a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace.

The United boss opted to play Wayne Rooney as the lone forward, with summer signing Anthony Martial once again deployed on the left wing.

His side managed just five attempts on goal - compared with the hosts' 10 - and were lucky to escape Selhurst Park with a point in the end.

Rooney has come in for particularly scathing criticism after finding the net just twice in the Premier League this term.

And while Van Gaal refused to single out any players by name, he concedes that failing to convert and create chances is a big problem.

"We did not keep the ball. That's a very important factor and because of that we didn't create too many chances,": he said.

Wayne Rooney played as the lone striker and failed to find the net again

"I have to say I can't complain about the result.

"[Not scoring for a third consecutive game] is a big concern but I already said that after the second match, especially against Middlesbrough, because we created many chances but did not finish.

"Today we didn't create so many chances so it's more difficult. When you don't keep the ball you can't create chances."