The gloom that has been descending on Manchester United lifted a little when they beat Shrewsbury in the FA Cup on Monday, but manager Louis van Gaal remains a man facing problems.
United’s manager has no margin for error as he attempts to maintain his team’s chances of a European trophy when they face Midtjylland at Old Trafford on Thursday.
United’s 2-1 defeat away to the previously unheralded Danish champions in their Europa League round of 32 first leg last week was a significant embarrassment for Van Gaal, with the local newspaper, the Manchester Evening News, calling for him to be sacked the day after the match.
At least United managed to avoid further humiliation at third-tier Shrewsbury, a team two divisions and 50 league places below them, but even their convincing 3-0 victory was small comfort.
Van Gaal –- whose team are fifth in the Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Leicester –- is fully aware that improved performances are required quickly, with Jose Mourinho apparently waiting in the wings, ready to take over should the United hierarchy decide to ditch the Dutchman.
“I was very pleased with my players against Shrewsbury,” Van Gaal said. “They were very committed.
“Now we have to beat Midtjylland, but it will not be easy, because they are well organised. We saw that during the first leg.
“Everything is possible, though. We are still in three competitions, so we have to fight,” he added.
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