Manchester United: Race to finish in top four is still wide open says Louis van Gaal

Louis van Gaal claims the race to finish in the top four is still wide open after Manchester United's latest defeat to West Bromwich Albion.

The 20-time English champions suffered a third straight defeat and the latest result has seen them sit in the fourth place with 65 points, four points ahead of fifth place Liverpool. The Red Devils suffered defeats against Chelsea, Everton and West Brom.

In the last three fixtures, United failed to find the back of the net and the Dutchman is concerned over his side's lack of goals. Robin van Persie had a chance to convert from a spot kick against the Baggies, but his shot was saved by the Baggies keeper.

With just three games to go, United need to win the next two games in order to return to the Champions League next season. Van Gaal has urged his players to step up in order to avoid any further slip-ups.

"Maybe you'll remember that in all of my press conferences, I've said that until the end, it will be a rat race. I was the only one, because we were seven points ahead and I said it was still possible to slip up. I'm aware of that, my players are aware of that. We have to keep our confidence and finish our chances," Van Gaal told United's official website.

United still have to face Crystal Palace and Hull City away from home and in-form Arsenal at Old Trafford in the penultimate fixture of the season. Meanwhile, Liverpool face newly-crowned Premier League champions Chelsea in the next fixture at Stamford Bridge.

United winger Ashley Young still believes the Old Trafford club's chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League is still in their hands.

"Of course there is. As players and staff, there's no doubt we can qualify for the Champions League and that was always what we wanted to do," Young explained.

"It's still in our hands and we have three massive games coming up. We have another tough game away to Palace next weekend and we want to get back to winning ways."