Louis Van Gaal's Manchester United fell 2-1 to Sunderland at the Stadium light yesterday afternoon and the Dutchman admits that the club's best route into the Champions League could be through victory in the Europa League.

Van Gaal, a man who has become accustomed to hedging his bets and moving the goalposts in recent interviews and press conferences, has once again stated how 'difficult' it will now be to achieve the minimum requirement of a top four finish in the Premier League. 

"Now the way with the Europa League is easier I think," he said. "But also that is not so easy, because also you have fantastic European level in that cup. You have to show your capacity in every match. We didn't do that today. It is a big disappointment. I cannot say it in another way. I have agreed top four is the minimum requirement. This is the kind of match you have to win."

Van Gaal is now walking on the thinnest of ice with contact reportedly being made with Jose Mourinho about the possibility of the Portuguese manager taking over at Old Trafford.

The United manager has changed his goals throughout the season and his comments come in stark contrast to talk of an unlikely title challenge prior to the Chelsea game last weekend. With the minimum requirement of top four looking less likely, he must surely be feeling the pressure but stated, "we can only blame ourselves for this defeat, but I am not under more pressure now than I was before.