Louis van Gaal: 'Normally it is a penalty'

Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal has suggested that the controversial tackle placed on Robin van Persie during their 1-1 draw at Sunderland on Sunday would normally be given as a penalty.

Van Persie went down in the Sunderland box in the second half, with defender Santiago Vergini appearing to have touched both the player and the ball.

"I have seen the images since and I saw that Van Persie was already falling a little bit, but nevertheless the opponent takes the risk and it was a tackle on his ankle," Van Gaal told reporters.

"Normally it is a penalty. There are referees giving those penalties and those who don't."

United currently occupy 13th position in the Premier League table.