LIVERPOOL: Louis van Gaal said Manchester United had encouraged Liverpool in the race for a Champions League place after losing 3-0 to the Merseysiders' near-neighbours Everton on Sunday.
Goals from James McCarthy, John Stones and Kevin Mirallas at Goodison Park left United anxiously looking over their shoulders at fifth-placed Liverpool as they aim for the top four finish that will bring Champions League football to Old Trafford next season.
Afterwards, van Gaal said he had seen warning signs even before kick-off that his players were not at their best.
"I think so, yes," said the Dutch manager when asked if this reverse was the most disappointing performance of his United reign.
"It was the first time that I see that our motivation, inspiration, aggression was not as high as the opponent.I already had the feeling, as did my colleagues (coaches) Ryan Giggs and Albert Stuivenberg, because warming up today was not as good as usual.
"Then you say that in the last minute before kick-off, you hope that you can recover that and stimulate your players but then it's too late."
Van Gaal added: "Because we are playing so well the last six or seven games, the players think ok, it will come.
"But you need the inspiration and motivation and aggression to win the second balls and fight until the end. I have said so many times this season that they have fought until the end and what more can a manager demand," van Gaal explained.
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