Now Reds eye European boost

MANCHESTER United boss Louis van Gaal insists their win over Shrewsbury must set them up for Europa League recovery.

United eased into the FA Cup quarter–finals with a 3–0 win at Greenhous Meadow to book a home tie with West Ham.

Chris Smalling, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard scored to avoid an upset and keep United on track during a crucial week. United host FC Midtjylland in the Europa League on Thursday, aiming to turn around a 2–1 first–leg loss, and Arsenal in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday.

Despite victory in Shropshire, Van Gaal was expecting little praise for keeping United’s FA Cup dream alive and has turned his focus to the Europa League.

“Everybody shall say it is against Shrewsbury Town and Manchester United has to win, but we have seen very difficult results in the FA Cup, so I think we have done it fantastically.

“I have congratulated my players, I was very pleased, but now we have to beat Midtjylland because it is also possible to beat them. It is not easy, because Midtjylland are very well organised, we have seen that in the away game.”

Van Gaal is now without 13 players after defender Cameron Borthwick–Jackson and striker Will Keane limped off last night. David De Gea could return against Midtjylland or Arsenal to ease United’s injury woes.