Teams no longer fear Man Utd – Van Gaal admits

Louis van Gaal’s side travel to Shrewbury’s New Meadow this evening with the FA Cup now their best chance of any silverware this season, having been humiliated last week by FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.

He said: “If I said we are going to go toe-to-toe with Manchester United, match them right up, hit possession in the final third and pin them right back, they’ll think I’m bananas”.

He suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to relegation battlers Sunderland back on February 13 before losing 2-1 again in the first leg of their Europa League tie against Midtjylland in mid week.

If United are defeated by Shrewbury, it would represent another disastrous result for United who are in fifth place on the Premier League log on 41 points and six points behind Manchester City who sit in fourth place. “We have done well in recent years against lower-league sides away from home and we know what to expect”. I said that this would be the year of Luke Shaw.

While Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, continues to deliberate over sacking van Gaal, Ferdinand added to the chorus of disapproval from former players, posting on Twitter: “Given LVG loads of time”. His is the only position which we don’t have a double option.

United have also lost Wayne Rooney (knee), Marouane Fellaini (muscle injury), Cameron Borthwick-Jackson (illness) and Matteo Darmian (shoulder) in the last few days.

“They have spent over £300 million under David Moyes and Van Gaal but are nowhere near where they want to be”.

The scene is set for a memorable night with the feeling that United can’t win even if they win.

It’s hoped Mourinho’s appointment will undo Van Gaal’s style of play that has riled fans, former players and football pundits alike.

Shrewsbury midfielder Ian Black has blasted Manchester United’s failing stars – questioning if they deserve their oversized pay packets.