TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says his team "struggled for life" in the second half of their goalless draw against Tottenham, BBC Sport reported.
Victory would have enabled third-placed United to close the gap on Chelsea and Manchester City, with the top two also dropping points on Sunday.
Van Gaal blamed the physical demands of the festive schedule for the stalemate.
"It is scientifically proven that the body cannot recover within 48 hours," the Dutchman said.
United, who beat Newcastle in a 3-1 home win on Boxing Day, are 10 points behind leaders Chelsea going into the new year.
The visitors created several good chances in the first half at White Hart Lane, with Juan Mata's deflected free-kick hitting the post.
Despite criticising England's busy Christmas schedule, Van Gaal named an unchanged United starting XI for the first time in 85 Premier League games.
BBC SPORT