By John Marshall
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is still eyeing progression into the Europa League quarter-finals despite struggling to overcome Liverpool, Skysports reports.
The away leg at Anfield ended 2-0 to the Reds courtesy of a penalty from striker Daniel Sturridge and a close range effort from Roberto Firmino.
United will now need to overcome the two goal deficit in order to advance, with the second leg being played at Old Trafford next week.
Van Gaal believes his side still have a chance to beat the odds, but did admit that they struggled to cope against their opponents.
“We did not cope with the high pressure of Liverpool,” he said.
“We had expected that and, for me, it was a surprise we did not cope with it because they did it at their home match this year.
“That raised the atmosphere in the stadium and they created big chances but we had a very good goalkeeper and because of that, we were in the match.”
Winning the competition could be the only way for the Red Devils to ensure Champions League football next season given that they have also been struggling in the Premier League.
They are currently sitting sixth on the table, three points away from rivals Manchester City who still have a game in hand.
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