Manchester United's Premier League season is essentially over. The team's chance of winning a title is extremely thin. That means it is at risk of missing out on Champions League play which means its success in the Europa League is very important. Manchester United is preparing to face Liverpool in what manager Louis van Gaal is calling a must-win matchup.
The winner of the Europa League is guaranteed a spot in the group stage of the Champions League tournament. That is the only way Manchester United will see that tournament considering it is done in the Premier League. Van Gaal is very aware of the pressure resting on his team for the remainder of the season following several disappointing loses. The team cannot afford to drop the match against Liverpool.
"You have to win - there is no difference [with it being a Cup competition]," Van Gaal said. "United and Liverpool is always a big game. It's historical and even bigger now because both teams are fighting for a Champions League place."
Injuries have hurt United's season. The team lost Wayne Rooney, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ashley Young who are expected to miss the match against Liverpool. That has forced the team to rely more on its young depth which has allowed Anthony Martial to rise as a potential new star. Martial is filling in for Rooney and impressing at just 19. Having come up through the ranks of Manchester United's development program, many believe he could be the next Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
"I hope Martial can emulate what Ronaldo did at United," said former Manchester United striker Louis Saha . "Ronaldo came when he was 18 and had this little issue where he was not passing the ball. He had to learn and that took him time. When he clicked in his head, with the help of the manager, he became an amazing player and I hope that Martial will go in the same path. Martial has got the ability, strength, he is skillful and he is hungry to learn."
Liverpool is very aware that Manchester United is feeling the pressure heading into its Europa League match. Manager Jurgen Klopp noted that this high-profile matchup is a serious game for both clubs as they are fighting for their futures. Both managers have faced criticism following the downfall of Liverpool and United. As their records do not leave much to excite fans, Klopp believes this will be a game to watch.
"I don't believe in enemies in football I believe in real opponents," Klopp said. "I have absolutely no problem with Louis van Gaal but the last thing I want is for him to win. You can play your best friends but if (they are) in the wrong shirt for 95 minutes you can forget everything, all the common experiences in your life. Games like this are the mother of all football games."
