Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal insists no-one can question his effort.

United lost at Sunderland yesterday.

"I do my work to my utmost best and I cannot do more," said the United boss.

United's Champions League hopes via the Premier League are all but gone and Van Gaal reckons their best route into the competition is through the Europa League.

"Top four will be very difficult now. We have given five points away. I have told the players the top four will be very difficult. You cannot close your eyes to that," said the Dutchman.

"I shall prepare my players at 100 per cent for [the Europa League].

"I think after this match that is the best route [to the Champions League] but it is not easy because a lot of good teams are in this event."