3 Changes LVG Should Do As Manchester United Face Midtjylland In The Europa League

At least Manchester United got a favourable draw in the Europa League as they prepare to face Midtjylland from Danish League. Manchester United travel to the team that lies third in their league and are wary of the dangers an unknown quantity pose for the record Premier League champions.

United were woeful as they lost once again at the hands of Sunderland, the first time the club had lost at the Stadium of Light and chances of making it to the top four seem to be fading away under Louis van Gaal.

Not one player covered himself in glory against the Black Cats and United will be looking to make amends in this competition. Louis van Gaal did state that winning this trophy is their best chance of making it into the UEFA Champions League next season.

The English side though need to make a few changes before they take on their opponents and here are some of the changes that United must make if they are to get a positive result against Midtjylland.

Attack the ball first

The defending from Manchester United was atrocious against Sunderland as they were often second to the ball. Sunderland weren’t the most physical side either and United’s defenders should have dealt with the balls played in or lofted in better but they didn’t and both their goals were examples of lacklustre defending.

United do have the better players coming into this and even have better defenders, on paper at least. They shouldn’t give away any free headers to the club from Jutland and ensure they keep a clean sheet.

Don’t give away cheap free-kicks

Manchester United should know that Midtjylland won’t have too many chances in the game and they should be limited to free-kicks or corners. We have seen how fragile the United defending is in the game against Sunderland and pressure from the home side could see the team crack up.

United should ensure that they do not commit many fouls, the Red half of Manchester average close to 15 fouls a game, a surprising stat considering that Sam Allardyce’s side managed just 7 in the game against United. Manchester United have to be disciplined if they are to win this game or at least come out with a positive result.

Play with two strikers

The side played with Martial and Lingard as the two wide men coming in to help Wayne Rooney but he was often left without support. There aren’t many teams that do play with two up front but United need to create a partnership once again.

They have had some of the best forwards in the history of the Premier League and they always played in pairs. Martial’s movement and Rooney’s vision could be a match made in heaven, maybe this is the game to try something out like that.