Louis van Gaal knows Manchester United “have to deliver” if they are to overcome a first-leg loss and keep their European dream alive against Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp’s men make the short trip for the return leg of this Europa League last-16 tie boasting a 2-0 lead – a scoreline that would have been a lot worse for United had it not been for an inspired David de Gea display.
The inability to net an away goal at Anfield has made tonight’s task even tougher for Van Gaal’s side as they look to upset the odds and
The Red Devils do, though, have a famous history of bouncing back, and their manager is confident they can still progress to the quarter-finals.
Ander Herrera outlines #mufc's Europa League mission... https://t.co/6GTp1nDqdm
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 16, 2016
“I think the challenge to beat Liverpool and the challenge that we are two goals down is a big challenge,” Van Gaal said.
“We have to believe in it and it starts with the players, of course, but it starts also with the fans. The fans have a lot of impact on the pitch.
“I have spoken only with the players about the victory and we have to believe in it.
“(On Thursday) we only have to think we have to beat Liverpool and we have beat them 2-0 – not with 3-0 because we can do that also in extra-time.”
Ashley Young and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson are unlikely to play a part despite training on the eve of the match, but Juan Mata is available having missed the FA Cup draw with West Ham through suspension.
Bastian Schweinsteiger is not deemed fit enough to start, so Marouane Fellaini – whose substitution on Sunday was cheered by disgruntled United fans – could continue his record of starting for United against Liverpool.
“I cannot say if he will play (on Thursday) because then I give part of my line-up and I don’t want to do that,” Van Gaal said.
“Fellaini has his way of playing and he can give us a lot of qualities. He has contributed to a lot of games in a very good way.
“For me, it’s very important if he can contribute in the game-plan that we have created with each other. That’s the main thing.”
Meanwhile, Klopp insists Liverpool’s trip to Old Trafford will be “no holiday” despite holding a significant advantage.
“We made our position a little bit better (in the first leg),” Klopp said.
“It is not perfect, it is not 5-0 or 6-0, it is not a holiday tomorrow. It is really hard work and I have no problem with this.”
Midfielder James Milner has rejoined Liverpool’s squad after recovering from illness but Alberto Moreno will be assessed before the game.
