The Red Devils had a dramatic evening at the Upton Park for their crucial clash against West Ham, as the visitor's bus was attacked by home supporters causing significant damage and delaying kick-off by 45 minutes.
The thrilling match ended with Louis van Gaal's men losing 3-2, as their hopes to finish in the top four is now hanging by a thread. Speaking at the post-match conference, the Dutch manager admitted he does not like to make excuses, but believes the shameful scenes before the game may have influenced his players.
"We cannot cope with the circumstance before the match; that's unusual. I've had that experience, but my players have not so it has an influence, I have a long experience in football, but there are players who don't have that experience. It can have an influence, but we cannot look for excuses."
"You can make your own opinion. The images will tell everything. We live in this world. We know it can happen. It's not the first time it's happened."
"The emotion worked for West Ham. I said it beforehand, and you have seen it. The fans were supporting from the first minute, which was a big influence. But as Manchester United you have to cope with that."
After their slip up against the 'The Hammers', United's bid to qualify for next season's Champions League is officially out of their hands. The only way Rooney and Co. can finish fourth is if they win their last match at home against Bournemouth on Sunday and hope Manchester City slip up against Swansea.
However, Van Gaal is remaining positive and believes his team has a chance of finishing in the top four.
"In the last match of the season we can still pass over Manchester City," said the Dutchman.
"They can lose, and we can win. You can count I think. In this league, it happens a lot. Swansea are on a good run."
"We have fought the whole season for qualification for the Champions League. Still we are fighting till the end. On the last day we can finish fourth, but now we depend on Man City. Before it was in our own hands so that's a big difference."
"It's a mental blow for the players, but against Bournemouth we have to give everything. We cannot give Man City a free trip to the Champions League."
Can Van Gaal's lads make it to the top four for next season's European qualification?
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