VAN GAAL: MAN UTD HAVE LOST THEIR FEAR FACTOR

The Dutch coach is prepared for a
tough test in on Monday night but has
warned his players they must start
winning games consistently and cannot
afford any more defeats
Louis van Gaal has admitted that Manchester
United have lost their fear factor ahead of his
side’s FA Cup fifth round clash with
Shrewsbury Town.
The Red Devils head to Greenhous Meadow to
take on League One opposition on the back of
demoralising defeats to Sunderland in the
Premier League and Midtjylland in the Europa
League.
Van Gaal has come under huge pressure
following the losses and says teams no longer
fear facing Manchester United.
"When you see the last two games, it’s maybe
like that," he told reporters. "But then we have
to make them fear us again.
"We lost the first match in the Premier League
also, against Swansea City, when I first came
here.
"But then still we had a very good home
record last season - and we can do that again.
It’s a question of winning matches in a row.
"That I have said also already to the players,
because you cannot continue with losing
games.
"The question is how we lift ourselves for this
game, because Shrewsbury Town shall also
fight for the second balls, play direct and that
kind of thing, and we have to cope with that.
"We have to keep the ball better and not give
unnecessary losses away, because I think the
first goal [against Midtjylland] was an
unnecessary loss and the second goal we
could have won that duel much easier."
United’s recent form gives Shrewsbury hope
of pulling off a shock and Van Gaal admits
Micky Mellon’s side will be hopeful of beating
his men.
"Maybe," he added. "I hope so, because then
it’s a benefit for us.
"It’s not a question of being the favourite. It’s
a question of having to see every match as a
match you have to win.
"On Monday we have to win, and when we win
we’re in the next round and capable of winning
the FA Cup.
"It’s not always that you can say 'we shall
win' and it’s normal. It’s not like that. But it’s
always possible."