United have to deliver – LVG

MANCHESTER United are facing an uphill battle, but Louis van Gaal is contemplating only victory and Europa League progress against Liverpool.

Only David de Gea prevented the first leg of this last–16 clash being more comprehensive than the 2–0 defeat handed down at Anfield last week. An undercooked United struggled on Merseyside and their inability to eke out an away goal means several bookmakers have priced them at 7-1 to progress to the quarter–finals.

The Red Devils have a famous history of bouncing back, and Van Gaal is confident they can still move past their rivals.

“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,” said Van Gaal. “I have spoken only with the players about the victory and we have to believe in it.”

Asked if United owe their fans a big display, the Dutchman said: “Yes, but we owe always to the fans a big result because the fans are paying to see that. We have to deliver, but in sport you can lose and you can win. It’s very difficult but you have to accept that.

“But we only have to think we have to beat Liverpool and we have beat them 2–0 – not 3–0 because we can do that also in extra time.”