Van Gaal to restore fear factor

LOUIS van Gaal says Manchester United need to regain their fear factor.

The Reds' troubled campaign has taken turns for the worse in their last two outings, beaten 2–1 at Sunderland in the league and the first leg Europa League game against at FC Midtjylland.

The latter game highlighted how United – for so long among the most daunting opponents a club could

face – no longer seem intimidating.

Van Gaal's men travel to Shrewsbury tonight for an FA Cup fifth–round game marking the start of a week that looks potentially vital for their season and Van Gaal’s future.

And when asked ahead of the contest if teams do not fear United anymore, Van Gaal said: "When you see the last two games, it is maybe like that. We have to make them fear again. It is a question of winning matches in a row."

After the match at Shrewsbury, United play Midtjylland on Thursday in leg two of the European tie, then have a Premier League home clash against Arsenal three days later.

Winning all three would be a major boost. But with talk having resurfaced of his tenure nearing an end and Jose Mourinho being set to replace him, a bad week results–wise will surely leave Van Gaal's position precarious.