Van Gaal brands Smalling's sending-off during 1-0 loss in Manchester derby 'stupid'

Manchester United football team manager Louis van Gaal has said that centre back Chris Smalling's sending-off in their Manchester derby against Manchester City was 'stupid'.

Smalling was dismissed before half time for two bookable offences, the first for charging down City keeper Joe Hart's drop kick, the second for a wild challenge on James Milner. City won 1-0 with a 63rd-minute goal from Sergio Aguero.

Van Gaal said that in a derby one has to be careful, adding that the second yellow card is a stupid yellow card, The BBC reported.

He added that the sending-off is not one of those things. He said that as a player one has to control ones aggression.

The Dutchman said that he didn't see the first yellow but with the second, one knows one already has a yellow, so he has to handle it differently. He added that he told that to the players.

Despite Smalling's dismissal, United improved after Aguero's goal, with Robin van Persie and Angel di Maria both drawing good saves out of City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Van Gaal said that the red card had an influence on the game but added that despite being 10 men against 11, they played better in the second half than the first because of willpower of this team.

He also said that United is very close, adding that one saw it against Chelsea and now against City. He said that they are the two best clubs in this league and the difference is zero he thinks.

Van Gaal further said that when one sees what United did with 10 men one can be proud as a coach.