Smalling out for FA Cup success this year

The veteran Dutch manager is edging closer to the sack following a poor run of form this season that has seen the Red Devils fail to win 21 out of the 39 games they have played in all competitions this season.

The teams will meet Monday at Greenhous Meadow in the fifth round of the FA Cup. “We really worked hard and importantly as a team we had a positive mind towards the game and now we’ll look forward to the second leg at Old Trafford“.

The sequence started in the subsequent replay, which Sir Alex Ferguson’s men won 2-0, and have since been shown on five different TV networks.

It is believed that the former Chelsea boss has agreed a three-year deal worth £48million to take over from under-fire manager Louis van Gaal at the end of the season.

Which players, tactics and formation should Manchester United use against Shrewsbury Town in their FA Cup tie?

“We have to make them fear again”, he said. He is viewed as being the antithesis of what Manchester United stands for. The thought that their League One opponents may be brimming with confidence pleases Van Gaal.

Louis van Gaal suggests that teams no longer fear Manchester United due to their troubling season.

Frank O’Farrell was sacked 18 months into the job, Tommy Docherty was sacked in 1977, Dave Sexton was sacked in 1981, Ron Atkinson was sacked in 1986 and David Moyes was sacked in 2014.

“I hope so, because then it’s a benefit for us”, the Dutchman added.

Van Gaal concedes Micky Mellon’s side may display little fear of the visiting side.

“Maybe Shrewsbury think it’s an easier job now”.

“It’s not always that you can say “we shall win” and it’s normal”.

“United were up for it and did well but, as I said, this is the FA Cup and anything can happen”.

The beleaguered manager has frequently blamed the club’s injury woes for an unsatisfactory campaign which has seen his own future at Old Trafford brought sharply into question.