SUNDERLAND, England -- There was no hiding Louis van Gaal's disappointment when he faced the press at the Stadium of Light after Manchester United's seventh defeat of the season.
The furious fire that flashed in his eyes at Stamford Bridge last week was conspicuous by its absence. At times, he seemed to sag as he tried to explain where it had all gone so wrong. It's one step forward, two steps back for United and the optimism generated by two improved performances against Stoke City and Chelsea has suddenly evaporated.
Refreshingly, Van Gaal made no excuses for his team's demise but public displays of honesty are unlikely to improve the mood of the team's supporters.