Updated 08.35
MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER Louis van Gaal says his side’s Uefa Champions League play-off clashes with Club Brugge will be the most important matches he has faced since taking charge at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils host the Belgians for the first leg tonight as Van Gaal seeks to seal a return to the group stage of Europe’s premier club competition.
Under the Dutchman’s predecessor, David Moyes, United missed out on qualification for the tournament, but Van Gaal secured a play-off tie courtesy of a fourth-place finish last term.
Asked whether the two games against Brugge were the most important of his United tenure to date, Van Gaal told reporters: ”Of course, I have explained that the players want the Champions League and the board want it but especially the fans.
“So the pressure is high. We have to show our quality against a good team - you cannot say there’s no pressure, it’s not an easy game.
“There is a lot of pressure because our aim and goal is to reach the Champions League. Because of the draw, it is much more difficult. We have drawn Brugge, they can defend very well and can attack also.
“It shall be a difficult match and the pressure is high. The fans and the board want to participate in the Champions League but we have to beat Brugge.”
United have made a positive start to their Premier League campaign, claiming 1-0 wins over Tottenham and Aston Villa.
Amid suggestions his side are struggling to click going forward, Van Gaal added: ”It’s always a concern because a coach wants a perfect game always.
“In all other teams, they are not at moment at the highest level. It cannot be [the case] either.
“We have a long way to go but we have made a better start than last year. Also, two clean sheets, that says a lot about our structure and balance.
“I have confidence that we are developing ourselves better and I expect that also from my players.”
Very lazy choice for coach of the year Hansens a good coach but Schmidt was magnificent
Ya your dead right! Never mind the blacks breaking the world record of any team for consecutive wins throw in southern nations championship win and where they are now…. Very lazy choice!
Subjective awards are meaningless anyway.
@phillipryan did the AB not just equal the record cause they drew 12-12 with oz when they lookin to break it?
Don’t loose too much sleep he was never going to get it
If he goes though the 6 nations and the world cup the way he has gone through the last 3 games he’ll get it next year .
Should do! His all round performances have been superb and and his place kicking has improved quite a lot. If he keeps this form coming into the six nations and world cup then he is surely in with a shout.
Fancy that. A man from New Zealand named player of the year. A Cinderella story, if ever there was one.
Nothing worth getting upset over.
If sexton was from the south he would of won. Irb prefer to award anyone who plays down south
He wouldn’t have been my winner! Savea or Le Roux would have gotten it off me
Never heard of him
John if you’ve never heard of Retallick you obviously don’t know or watch the fantastic game that is Rugby Union. Well deserved. Maybe watch a game or two and you might be qualified to comment then champ.
It may be a long shot, but if Murray keeps up his form, I’d stick a few quid on him for next year.
If an ape coached NZ they’d still win, and the ape would get coach of the year. Although that’s more or less what’s currently happening. They’re about to be toppled in the next year, far to many close games and a shambles at fly half to maintain their supremacy going forward.
No disrespect to apes meant by the way, I just don’t think they’re coaching material. Although I’m sure they’d make a monkey out of me.
Apparently Joe isn’t even the radar in New Zealand….. Maybe we should be thankful the sign him up to a 10 year contract.
Shame on them if they’re not considering him!
I’m not being bitter but I find it very hard that southern and northern players are put in same category cus lets be honest they hardly play each other and its very mindset in both spheres probably fair if they spit them (exulting Rwc years)
Wouldn’t say bod would have been overly impressed if he did get it!
Hard luck Johnny