Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has apologised for a bizarre incident which saw him stage a dive during his side's 3-2 win over Arsenal this afternoon.

The Dutchman was in discussion with fourth official Mike Dean when he dropped to the ground, apparently mimicking a dive made by Gunners midfielder Alexis Sanchez moments earlier.

"I'm always sitting on my bench but my emotion today was a bit too high," Van Gaal told Sky Sports News. "I apologised to the referee. I have to control my emotions."

In a subsequent press conference, Van Gaal was informed that United fans had enjoyed the incident, prompting him to reply: "The fans are not always wise!"

United's victory lifted them to three points off the top four.