United's Europe hopes get Hammered

Van Gaal refuses to blame bus attack for setback

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal put on a brave face and refused to blame an attack on his team's bus for the serious setback to his side's Champions League hopes at West Ham United.

Tuesday's gripping 3-2 loss, which was preceded by the United team bus being pelted with cans and bottles outside the east London ground, leaves van Gaal's men needing to beat Bournemouth in their final match on Sunday and hope Manchester City loses at Swansea City if it is to creep into the Premier League's top four.