Angry Van Gaal blasts 'stupid' Smalling following Manchester derby sending off

Posted Monday, November 03, 2014 by Talksport.co.uk

Angry Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has said defender Chris Smalling was "stupid" to get sent off during Sunday's 1-0 derby defeat to Manchester United.

The Red Devils enjoyed a decent start at the Etihad Stadium but were reduced to ten men shortly before the break when the 24-year-old was penalised for blocking a Joe Hart goal-kick and a late challenge on James Milner in an eight minute spell.

The England international's recklessness gave his side a mountain to climb and City eventually made their man advantage count when Sergio Aguero fired in a second-half winner.

It continues Van Gaal's miserable start to life as United coach, with another loss seeing the club suffer their worst ever start to a Premier League season with just 13 points from their opening ten games.

And the Dutchman was less than impressed with the centre-back, whose red card was key to City's win.

"What can I do with my angriness? Nothing," said the Red Devils boss.

"He [Smalling] knows it was stupid. I didn't see the first challenge, but the referee gave him a yellow card."

"Then, as a player, you know you have a yellow card and you have to deal with that and be more careful."

"But he didn't do that - he didn't deal with it in the right way."