Manchester United lost a vital match against West Bromwich Albion last Sunday, March 6, in Week 29 of the English Premier League. Salomon Rondon scored the lone goal that could prove to be a blow to United's chances to qualify for next season's Champions League.

It snapped the Red Devils' four-game winning streak across all competitions. Louis van Gaal's men last suffered defeat on Feb. 18 in the first leg of the Europa Cup fixture against FC Midtjylland 2-1.

The 1-0 loss to West Brom means that United sits at sixth place in the EPL Table and three points behind the final Champions League spot. It is currently occupied by crosstown rivals Manchester City, who has 50 points and a 21-point goal difference advantage.

Juan Mata Sent Off

United was at a disadvantage early on in the match against West Brom when Juan Mata was sent off in the 26th minute. Mata was first booked in the two minutes before blocking a free kick and receiving his second yellow card for clipping Darren Fletcher's shin during a poor tackle.

"You know the first one is a stupid yellow card and then you have to be aware the referee can give a second yellow card. A referee has to decide within one second but when you know the player, Mata never hurts a player," United manager Louis van Gaal said.

The Baggies failed to capitalize against the 10-man United in the first half. However, that all changed in the 66th minute when Rondon scored past David De Gea from a Sebastien Pocognoli cross. The win was very important for West Brom because it secures their stay in the EPL. It is also the club's first home win against the Red Devils since March 1984.

Man United's Champions League Chances

When asked by reporters what the loss meant to the club's top-four finish aspirations, van Gaal said that it was a "big blow."

"You have always chances but I have said in advance: this kind of matches you have to win, especially when you need to close the gap because you have lost too many games before," he added.

The 64-year-old Dutch manager will be staying at Old Trafford even if he fails to finish in the top four. It is noted that he would finish up his contract until next season before handing the team over to team legend Ryan Giggs.

The cited reason for United keeping van Gaal until next season is to help develop its core of young players. "There are a lot of players coming to Manchester United next season because they know I give them a chance," he said.