Reds bow out

MANCHESTER United boss Louis van Gaal insists the impending derby against Manchester City could provide just the catalyst his side needs to prevent their season being over.

A 1–1 draw at home to Liverpool wasn’t enough to prevent a Europa League last–16 exit on an aggregate 3–1 to leave the Reds fighting against the odds to qualify for the Champions League on their domestic form. They trail City by four points as they play their Manchester rivals on Sunday.

“I hope City is the catalyst. We have to beat City and we have a chance to still qualify (for Champions League),” he said.

“There is always pressure. Expectations are very high so pressure for these players is always high. We can cope with that but we were not lucky against Liverpool.

Van Gaal insists he had nothing, but pride in his players despite them failing to get the job done at home to Liverpool.

The concession of brilliant goal by Philippe Coutinho just before half–time, cancelling out Anthony Martial’s penalty, meant United had to score three more and that never looked likely.

“They gave everything and I was very pleased the fans recognised that,” he said.