Louis van Gaal: 'Second half was a struggle for Manchester United'

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has admitted that the demanding festival schedule took its toll on his players as they were held to a goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

White Hart Lane played host to an exciting first 45 minutes of football, but both sides seemingly tired in the second period and Spurs were able to earn a point following some heroics from goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

"In the second half it was more a struggle than football, I think," said Van Gaal, according to the Daily Star.

"But in the first half we played very well but when you don't score goals you cannot win.

"Yes [there should be a break] I've said it already before the matches. Ok it's a culture of England, but I think your body cannot recover in 48 hours, and you have seen it in the second half it was a struggle."

United remain unbeaten in eight games and occupy third position in the Premier League table.