Van Gaal's Verdict On Defeat

Louis van Gaal reflected on a "very disappointing" night for Manchester United, as he spoke to reporters at his post-match press conference, following West Ham's come-from-behind win in the final competitive match at Upton Park...

Frustrating evening
"I think the disappointment is because we were 2-1 ahead. We changed the match in our favour, in a fantastic way. Then you lose because of the set-plays. I said before the match that we would try to organise everything but still we missed by centimetres. We had a lot of set-play goals against us and that is disappointing because it had a big consequence. You lose a game you have to win."

Top-four fight still on
"Still in the last match of the season we can pass over Manchester City. They can lose and we can win - then we are fourth. In this league it happens a lot [surprise results] and Swansea City are on a very good run. But we have to beat Bournemouth and that's also tough."

Attack on the team bus
"It is not the first time it's happened. Okay, I have a long experience in football - some players don't have that. It shall have an influence but I don't think we have to look for excuses. We chased the match in the second half. Twenty minutes before full-time we are ahead. I don't think you have to look to that [the bus incident] as an excuse."

An emotional night
"I said in my [pre-match] press conference that the emotion of this match - a farewell to the stadium - shall influence a lot. You've seen it. The fans were supporting from the first minute, singing. Of course that was a big influence. As Manchester United you have to cope with that. The circumstances before the match were unusual and that will be an influence but I'm not looking for excuses. When you are 2-1 ahead with 20 minutes to play you have to make the ball big and keep the ball better. We gave a lot of fouls away, then you invite the set plays."

Not giving up
"We have fought the whole season for a qualification position for the Champions League. And still we are fighting until the end. On the last day we can finish fourth. It's still possible... only now we are depending on City. Before this game we had it in our own hands, so that's the difference. Every defeat is disappointing. Tonight is a mental blow but against Bournemouth we have to give everything so we don't give Manchester City a free trip into the Champions League."