Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal bemoans busy schedule

Louis van Gaal has bemoaned Manchester United's busy schedule after watching his side fall to a 1-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion.

United entered today's match on a four-game winning streak, but rarely troubled the Baggies as Salomon Rondon's second-half strike settled matters at The Hawthorns.

The visitors' cause was not helped by Juan Mata's first-half red card - the first of his career - but Van Gaal pointed to the club's hectic fixture list.

"We played with 10 against 11 and this is the fifth match in 14 days, I believe, so it is very difficult," the Dutchman told Sky Sports News. "I think that's the reason why we lost this game.

"The only chance [of the match] was the goal, so what can I say? It is a pity."

The defeat leaves United sixth in the table and three points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

When asked how many points United need from their final nine league games of the season to finish in the Champions League places, Van Gaal replied with the maximum of 27.

Up next for the Red Devils on Thursday is the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie away at bitter North-West rivals Liverpool.