Van Gaal: Man Utd have lost their fear factor

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."