Manchester United team news ahead of Midtjylland
Louis van Gaal provides updates in Europa League presser
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal offered several bits of information before Thursday’s Europa League match, including news on key injured players.
The upcoming clash against FC Midtjylland will be crucial in determining Manchester United’s success this season, as well as how much longer the manager can retain his position. As such, the Dutchman will be hoping for a quick return out of players who have suffered short-term injuries in the past few matches.
Unfortunately, the quick turnaround from Monday’s match means it will be difficult to assess which players are ready for tomorrow’s game. Van Gaal, however, was able to shed some light on a few of the questionable players, per ManUtd.com and MUTV.
In particular, van Gaal confirmed that Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Chris Smalling both trained in the lead up to the match, contrary to earlier reports. The young-left back was forced off the pitch at half time in United’s FA Cup victory over Shrewsbury, while Smalling must have suffered a knock but carried on. The two defenders should thus be available for selection.
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The right side of the attack could be a problem area, as Jesse Lingard was hobbling towards the end of the last match. The winger trained this morning, but if he cannot go the manager will have limited options to replace him. Adnan Januzaj is restricted from competing in the match due to his earlier involvement in the competition while on loan at Borussia Dortmund. Van Gaal did however mention that Marcus Rashford could see some time with Wayne Rooney’s injury and in the event that Will Keane is unfit.
David de Gea, unfortunately, will be unavailable for the match as he recovers from a knee problem suffered in the warm-ups to the first leg. On the keeper’s status, van Gaal said, “I was hoping for that but he shall not be involved, that is already certain.”
In regards to long term injury updates, van Gaal offered reassurance of Antonio Valencia’s and Marcos Rojo’s recoveries. Valencia has been able to resume training on an individual basis, while Rojo should be available on the Manchester United bench tomorrow for a maximum of 20 minutes of playing time.
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Speaking on the opposition, the former Barcelona manager refuted the idea of it being easy for Manchester United to win:
"“No, I think Midtjylland has a very good organisation, very detailed and the players want to perform that organisation. They play with diagonal pressing. I do that also with my team. Not many teams are doing that. And when I see the data of Midtjylland they have always won against English opponents.”“But also we have to keep the ball better and we have to move the ball quicker – that’s always what we have to do. And especially when the opponent is so well organised.”"
Even with Manchester United’s injury problems, they should be more than capable of dispatching their Danish opposition at Old Trafford. Now, with the likelihood that Borthwick-Jackson and Smalling will both be available, there’s essentially no excuse for a poor performance in front of the home supporters.
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Manchester United simply must show up against Midtjylland, regardless of who starts in what position. With their limitless talent and exorbitant spending, a defeat and exit from the Europa League would be inexcusable.