Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has conceded that after defeat at Sunderland his side’s hopes of finishing in the top four are hanging by a thread.
The Dutchman’s side suffered a demoralising 2-1 defeat at Sunderland earlier today to further lose ground in the race for the Champions League spots, and with all the top four teams playing each other tomorrow, the six-point gap is expected to widen.
Their points tally of 41 after 26 league games is their worst record in the Premier League era and Van Gaal admits that after today’s defeat on Wearside, his team have a mountain to climb if they are to finish in the top four.
When asked whether his club’s top four chances are looking bleak, the Dutchman said on BT Sport: “Certainly very difficult now because we gave away five points, Chelsea and now.
“So, it is too much at this time.”
relatedNewsStory
Speculation surrounding his future at the club is expected to further intensify after today’s defeat, but Van Gaal stressed that he is doing his job to the best of his abilities, and will look to prepare his team for their Europa League clash against Midtjylland on Thursday.
He also added that winning the Europa League could be their best route back into the Champions League at the moment.
When asked whether further speculation will affect him, Van Gaal said: “No. I have to do my work, and I do my work to my utmost best and I cannot do anymore. I shall prepare my players for Midtjylland at the hundred per cent and I shall do that always.
“I think after this match that is [Europa League] the best route [back into the Champions League], but it is not so easy as lot of very good teams are participating.”
