Bilic reveals his pep talk to players

Slaven Bilic has explained the pep talk he gave to the players following the dreadful injury crisis which has hit the club.

The manager tends to keep it simple but has made it clear the only way forward is to rely on a deeply embedded teamwork and spirit ethic.

Following the game against Stoke he  said: “I sat down with my players before our 0-0 draw at Old Trafford last week and told them that the only way we would get through this period without these key players would be if we showed teamwork and spirit — and we have done exactly that.”

Having said that he was unhappy not to take all three points yesterday from a game which saw Zarate and Kouyate hit the post.

But Bilic added: “On the other hand, no way would I usually take a point, especially at home, so I would not be happy.

“But the way the boys played I cannot be unhappy — I would be if the performance wasn’t there but it was. Although this match was goalless, there were 34 chances created and it was far from dull.”