Hunger and desire needed by Reds

LOUIS van Gaal has called for Manchester United’s players to be hungry for success in what could be a defining night in his Old Trafford career.

As embarrassing as last week’s 2–1 defeat at FC Midtjylland was, failure to overcome the Danish champions and secure Europa League progression at home would represent one of the club’s biggest European humiliations.

Even Midtjylland sporting director Claus Steinlein admitted it would be “a bit of a miracle” if the club formed in 1999 gets into the next round.

United boss Van Gaal certainly isn’t taking the visitors for granted.

“I wasn’t a great player, as you know, but when I played for full stadiums I was always at my best,” Van Gaal said ahead.

“I think most of the players will be excited and for them it is the match of their lives - especially at Old Trafford.”

Juan Mata, sat alongside Van Gaal at the pre–match press conference and is set to have a major role for injury–hit United to make amends for last week’s disappointment in Herning.

“For me as a player, the only thing I have in my mind is to perform as good as I can in every single game,” he said. “The only idea in my mind is to win.”