Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is adamant the Red Devils can rediscover their winning form.
With United suffering back to back defeats against Sunderland and FC Midtjylland, the dark clouds have once again surrounded Old Trafford, just when United fans thought the club had turned a corner as they hit an improved run.
That impressive form saw United beat Derby County and Stoke City comfortably, as well as looking much the better side in parts against Chelsea, in a game where the blues snatched a point in injury time.
United woes continue
Any feel good factor taken from those results was soon wiped out, after two disappointing performances away from home in matches United were very much expected to win.
As their opponents were a side battling to stay in the Premier League, and the other in FC Midtjylland who are minnows in comparison to the size of United, van Gaal has seen the pressure once again increase.
United must not bow out of the FA Cup
Yet the United boss remains optimistic that the red devils can turn their form around and go on to have a successful season. Starting against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup, a competition LVG has set his sights on winning for the first time.
Speaking ahead of the FA Cup tie the Dutchman said; “We have to make our opponents fear us again. On Monday, we have to win, and if we do then we are in the next round. I think that we are capable of winning the FA Cup.”
Much has been said of United’s lack of fear factor at the moment, meaning smaller clubs are more confident of facing United. Van Gaal will certainly hope that is not the case against Shrewsbury and should expect to be relieved of his duties should the unthinkable happen, and United do lose to the League One outfit.
With United fans seemingly discontent with proceedings at Old Trafford, they will see lifting the FA Cup as a long shot for the red devils.