Manchester United must win remaining nine games to qualify for Champions League, says Louis van Gaal

As has been the case many times this season, just when Manchester United looked to have turned a corner they suffered defeat, the latest of which came against West Brom.

Four wins in a row, including two in the Premier League that, coupled with the results above them, had the club back in contention for a top four finish.

However the 1-0 loss to West Brom on Sunday - the first in the league since 1984 - leaves the club three points behind fourth placed Manchester City, who have played a game less.

Manager Louis van Gaal said after the match at the Hawthorns that he believes his side must win every one of their remaining nine games if they are to qualify for the Champions League.

"It’s a big blow, these kinds of matches you have to win. We need 27 points," said the Dutchman when asked how the result had impacted on Manchester United's top four hopes.

Van Gaal hasn't totally given up though: "It is a lot, but it is always possible."

The Manchester United manager, who is expected to be replaced this summer, added on MUTV: "You always have a chance [to make the top four] but these kind of matches you have to win, and certainly when you have to close the gap because you have lost too many matches already."

Manchester United still have matches against three of the teams above them - Manchester City, Tottenham and Leicester - among their final games. Their next league match is against Man City in three weeks time.