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United’s De Gea could play in must-win Europa League game

Memphis Depay conceded this week that he has failed to live up to expectations since his move from PSV to United a year ago, but Van Gaal defended the winger from accusations that he has struggled to cope with the pace of English football.

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Van Gaal appreciated the efforts of the players on the field and was delighted on capitalising with a free kick.

After that comes Sunday’s visit of league title challengers Arsenal.

Van Gaal, however, does not see things the same way.

A delighted Louis van Gaal praised Manchester United’s commitment in their 3-0 FA Cup victory over Shrewsbury Town on Monday. “That’s why we have learned off Midjytlland the taking of the free-kicks and today we scored, and that’s good I think”. “But it’s also the programme, I think”.

United host Danish side Midtjylland on Thursday in the second leg of their Europa League last-32 tie, with the hosts aiming to overcome a 2-1 deficit from their first meeting.

“I don’t know about David De Gea, it is not so heavy but we have to wait and see when we can start him again.”, he told club’s website.

“In my opinion it’s a big game because it’s a chance to qualify for the Champions League next season, but we have to win a lot of matches”.

The United boss also warned that Midtjylland will do everything to make the most of their first appearance at Old Trafford: “I think most of their players shall be excited and for them it is the biggest game of their lives, especially at Old Trafford and not at home”.

Round believes van Gaal will be feeling a little better about things after back-to-back defeats and will now look to turn this win into something of a habit for his Red Devils.

He has captain Wayne Rooney sidelined for around six weeks with a knee problem while Matteo Darmian, Marouane Fellaini, Adnan Januzaj, Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Marcos Rojo, Antonio Valencia and Bastian Schweinsteiger are also missing. Borthwick-Jackson also limped off in Shropshire.

Despite crisis at Old Trafford, Beckham, who was an integral part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s treble-winning squad, continues to support the former Barcelona coach and has stressed it’s not easy to be at the helm of United.

“At half-time we were a wee bit disappointed but it’s hard to be critical because you’re playing against some unbelievable quality”, he said.

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‘So we have asked the referees, from that game, the Portuguese referees, and they said “no, it’s not offside, you can do that”. “That’s what that kind of money buys you”.

Jose Mourinho