Manchester United boss van Gaal keenly aware of Liverpool rivalry

Red Devils travel to Anfield with their Champions League hopes on the line

Manchester United are set to face Liverpool in the Europa League Round of 16, with the match a continuation of the two clubs’ historic rivalry.

Coming off the loss against West Brom that ended a brief run of impressive form, Louis van Gaal will be intent on responding to growing criticism of his reign in Manchester. Despite his assertion in the pre-match presser that supporters should be happy to be in the Europa League, his Manchester United has failed to meet expectations.

Today’s Liverpool match, the first meeting of the two clubs in European competition, is the most immediate opportunity for van Gaal to start the rebuilding process. Progression to the next round of the competition, with the ultimate goal of winning it, would ensure Champions League play next season and would limit further degradation of the Dutchman’s ability to lead the team.

And the manager is well aware of the game’s implications. Speaking to MUTV, van Gaal expressed his understanding of the gravity of the meeting:

"“It’s a big game but normally we play against a club in Europe. It’s fantastic for the fans, but only when we beat Liverpool. When you lose, everyone is disappointed.”"

More from Red Devil Armada

"“The feeling is different here; it’s more deep in the life of the fans. Of course, I have noticed that also in Spain and Germany but it was less deep than here. It’s fantastic to see and it’s one aspect why I wanted to come here, to have that experience. I like to see it because you can see the heart of the club and also the feeling that they are with you every game. It’s nice for the players, I think, but also nice for the manager.”"

To put it bluntly, the fans will be more than disappointed by a loss to the Reds in the first leg – they’ll be enraged by the fact that their beloved Manchester United can no longer even win on a Thursday night.

But, surprisingly, the outlook isn’t as bleak as the supporters may believe. The manager has an impressive record against other top Premier League clubs, including four consecutive wins against Liverpool. However, in regard to his success against the Reds, van Gaal downplayed any tactical changes he has made for previous occasions:

More from Manchester United News

"“I don’t have any secret. We have to prepare for the game with the players, and we do that the same way as usual. Sometimes I change the approach with the players, depending on the last result. But it’s more or less always the same, with individual and team meetings, with training sessions, with 11 against 11.”“I think it’s also good for me because when I beat teams like Liverpool, then the appreciation is bigger from the fans, so I hope we shall beat them for the fifth time and the sixth time also. More for the fans than for myself because, as I’ve already said, I want to win every game.”"

Hopefully van Gaal doesn’t rest too much on his laurels; if Manchester United lose the next two matches on aggregate against Liverpool, the previous winning streak will be viewed as in the distant past.

Next: United's match vs Liverpool will define their season

The supporters are concerned with the squad now, as they should be, and where United will be at the start of next season.

Home/Manchester United News