Van Gaal concedes Manchester United's chance of clinching a Champions League spot through EPL in jeopardy after 1-2 loss against Sunderland, thanks to De Gea's own goal
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney reacts during their EPL match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on Saturday. Inset: Louis van Gaal
Sunderland: Louis van Gaal dismissed suggestions that his side's 2-1 Premier League defeat at Sunderland on Saturday has put him under even more pressure as Manchester United manager.
Louis van Gaal
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An unfortunate 82nd-minute own goal by David de Gea condemned United to a loss that prevented them from closing the six-point gap that separates them from the Champions League places.
Van Gaal's position has been the subject of speculation for weeks and reports emerged last week that United have approached former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho to replace the 64-year-old Dutchman.
Feeling more pressure?
But when asked if the defeat at the Stadium of Light put him under more pressure, he replied: "No. I have to do my work and I do my work to my utmost best and I cannot do more. I shall prepare my players against Midtjylland (in the Europa League) 100 percent and I shall do that always."
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney reacts during their EPL match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on Saturday. Pic/AFP
Defeat was doubly frustrating for United as with fourth-place Manchester City hosting Tottenham Hotspur and leaders Leicester City visiting third-place Arsenal on Sunday, they had a chance to make ground on the top four.
United were also pegged back by a late goal in their previous game, conceding a stoppag- time equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Chelsea, and Van Gaal conceded that their top-four hopes were fading.
"It will be very difficult now because we give five points away, Chelsea and now," he said. "It's too much at this time." Van Gaal agreed when it was put to him that United's best chance of reaching the Champions League is to win the Europa League. "I think that is the best route."
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