The Europa League reaches the last 16 stage on Thursday with an all-Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester United headlining the action.
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The Reds, who edged out German team Augsburg 1-0 in the previous round of the continental competition in late February, have managed to win their last two Premier League games against Manchester City and Crystal Palace respectively.
United’s record in six Europa League matches to date is W2 D0 L4 (W1 D0 L2 at home – W1 D0 L2 away).
“But in football it is normal”.
“It’s not normal that one team dominates for 20 years in a row as champions”, he added.
“I’ve definitely got some good memories against Liverpool – I hope we can create some more”.
In fact, only Swansea (510) and Aston Villa (630) are averaging more passes per goal than United (434) in the Premier League this season, which, to put into context, is 134 passes per goal more than United’s averaged in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final league campaign at the Old Trafford helm (300). Several people are thinking they are the enemy, but I don’t think like that.
He continued: “I think a lot of players shall come back in the month of March”.
“I have absolutely no problem with Louis van Gaal but the last thing I want is for him to win”.
“I think also Liverpool is sold out, so that’s what I have to say, it’s very important for both teams and the fans are liking to see the duel between us”.
United winger Jesse Lingard will miss Thursday’s game through suspension after being booked in both legs of the 6-3 aggregate win over Danish side FC Midtjylland in the previous round.
Liverpool has failed to beat Louis van Gaal’s United since the Dutchman took over at the start of 2014-15.
Jürgen Klopp rested a host of players at Selhurst Park with one eye on this fixture as players coming back from injury help to bolster the ranks.
“When you are writing that, it is much more hard for my players to win the fifth battle against them so don’t write it”, Van Gaal said.
For United, the competition represents the best chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
West Brom are one such example and deservedly beat 10-man United 1-0 at The Hawthorns on Sunday, when Juan Mata’s uncharacteristic red card was catalyst to their downfall.
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“.it is hard to see whether they can cope with the rhythm of the match. It’s historic and even bigger now because both teams are fighting for a Champions League place”.
