Van Gaal admits reaching the top four will be “very difficult”

Louis van Gaal reveals that he has not spoken to Jose Mourinho about the rumours linking him to the top job at Manchester United.

But with that now looking increasingly unlikely, he said: “We needed so much the points, so in the circumstances we’re in, this is very disappointing”.

Despite seemingly turning their form around in recent weeks, United have slipped back into old habits at the Stadium of Light with a below par performance.

With the top four in action against each other on Sunday – leader Leicester is at Arsenal and Manchester City hosts Tottenham – United wasted a great chance to close the gap on the Champions League places.

Manchester United have only won five of their 14 away games this season, garnering a total of 19 points from them. “The Europa League is easier for us but also not so [easy] because there is a fantastic level of European football in that cup”.

United next take on FC Midtjylland in Europe’s secondary competition on Thursday.

Van Gaal conceded that a top-four finish is the “minimum requirement” for a club of United’s stature and vast resources.

Anthony Martial’s deft 39th-minute finish got them back on level terms – but they were second-best after the break and were undone when De Gea could only help defender Lamine Kone’s powerful downward header into his own net.

“Sunderland had more aggression than ourselves and we did not cope with that well”, said Van Gaal who refused to comment on his future.

Van Gaal knew all about Schweinsteiger, who is now sidelined with a knee injury, after two years in charge at the Allianz Arena between 2009 and 2011.

Speaking in an interview with manutd.com previous year, Love said: “There is pride whenever I pull on the shirt”. But when you lose them in spite of your good organisation, then you are frustrated.

Louis van Gaal admits getting no call from pal Jose Mourinho DENYING he is his Manchester United successor ” I wouldn’t expect him to.