FC Midtjylland’s boss Jess Thorup has said that it will be a miracle if the Danish side knock out Manchester United in the Europa League. Midtjylland shocked United in the first leg and now have a 2-1 lead ahead of their second leg clash at Old Trafford.
Ahead of Manchester United’s crucial Round of 32 match against Midtjylland, Louis van Gaal said he wanted his players to be more ‘horny’ in an unusual press conference.
Van Gaal has been under immense pressure this season, especially after United were eliminated from the Champions League in the group stages. The Europa League was seen as a trophy they could target as, in his words, it was one they had never won before.
Thorup has admitted though that his side still face a monumental task if they are to get past Manchester United.
“I just heard that two minutes ago in the car outside the stadium and we were laughing about the world horny,” Thorup told a press conference of Van Gaal’s earlier comments.
“Of course our team must be ready for the occasion. The players must see this as a regular game. Some of the guys might be Manchester United fans but tomorrow they are playing for FC Midtjylland and they won't underestimate that.
“I don’t know what the word ‘miracle’ is but in football a club like FC Midtjylland, 17 years old and achieving what it has achieved this year, now plays Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world. Yes, it would be a miracle.”
Thorup proud that Manchester United copied Midtjylland’s tactics
The Midtjylland manager was thrilled with the fact that Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal had copied a free kick routine which they had used against United.
Juan Mata’s goal from a free-kick against Shrewsbury in the FA Cup involved a trio of players standing in front of the goalkeeper’s eyeline, and the Dutchman admitted afterwards it was something he had picked up from Thorup’s side.
“I saw the game, and I saw the goal and the things he said afterwards,” said the 46-year-old. “If he can be inspired by something FC Midtjylland can do that is a great honour.”
The Danish side will certainly make some heads turn if they eliminate Manchester United from the Europa League tonight.
