Van Gaal desperately seeking some Xmas cheer at struggling Man United

Louis van Gaal admits Manchester United must bounce back immediately from defeat at Bournemouth if it is to retain any hope of challenging for the Premier League title.

The 2-1 loss on Saturday left van Gaal's side in fourth place and without a win in its past five matches, including the defeat in Wolfsburg that ended its interest in the Champions League.

Its next fixture sees Norwich City visit Old Trafford followed by a trip to Stoke City and a home meeting with Chelsea before the end of December.