Top four still possible - Van Gaal insists

Louis van Gaal hasn’t given up hope of Manchester United finishing in the top four this season even if he doesn’t think it will happen.

In what was an emotionally-charged game, headers from Michail Antonio and Winston Reid secured a 3-2 victory for West Ham United as they bade farewell to their home of 112 years ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium.

The result means that United are now relying on Swansea City to beat Manchester City on the final day if they are to stand a chance of securing Champions League qualification. Van Gaal refused to blame the result on the pre-match drama.

“It is very disappointing because we were ahead. We gave it away because of the set plays,” he said. “As a manager you are never satisfied but when you are 2-1 ahead after 70 minutes then you have to make the pitch bigger and keep the ball better.” On the bus, he added: ”As a professional we live in this world. We know it can happen so we have to cope with that. Twenty minutes from the end we were 2-1 ahead so i don’t think that was an influence.”

United could still finish as low as eighth in the table should results go against them in this final week, although they will be guaranteed Europa League football at least if they win the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace.