Manchester United vs Liverpool - Louis van Gaal: United have to deliver against Liverpool
Posted Thursday, March 17, 2016 by PA
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 Thursday's task even tougher for Van Gaal's side as they look to upset the odds and secure a memorable comeback under the Old Trafford lights.
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.
"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.
"When I put a player in a line-up, then I think he can do better than other players in that position. If Fellaini is selected you shall see in the line-up."
Meanwhile, Klopp insists Liverpool's trip to Old Trafford will be "no holiday" despite holding a significant advantage.
The German is taking nothing for granted with his methodical approach meaning his team travelled to Manchester and trained at Old Trafford on the eve of the game as they would do for any Europe tie.
That contrasted with United's approach last week when they asked UEFA for special dispensation to train at their Carrington complex and travel to Merseyside on the day of the game - regulations state you must be based within 27 miles of the host venue and Manchester is just outside that radius.
"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.
"I didn't think for one second about it (training and staying in Manchester).
"When I heard we would play against Manchester United I decided we would come one day early. In a Europa League game it's always like this.
"It's not about feeling comfortable and sleeping at home. We had a few seconds in the hotel before we came here (to Old Trafford) and everything is okay: the room is okay, the bed is okay.
"The trip was a little different because we usually fly rather than go by coach but the rest is exactly like a normal European game.
"When I played with my former club in European tournaments I always enjoyed it to breathe the stadium and where you will be playing the next night."
Midfielder James Milner has rejoined Liverpool's squad after recovering from illness.
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