Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal expects the Red Devils' to face a fired-up FC Midtjylland outfit in the second leg of their Europa League tie at Old Trafford on Thursday.

The Danish outfit hold a 2-1 advantage heading into the return fixture, and van Gaal believes United face an uphill battle to overturn the deficit.

"I think Midtjylland has a very good organisation, very detailed and the players want to perform for that organisation," van Gaal said.

"They play with diagonal pressing. I do that also with my team. Not many teams are doing that. And when I see the data of Midtjylland they have always won against English opponents.

"I was not a great player, as you know, but when I played for full stadiums, I was always at my best. So it is not a good signal for Manchester United. I think most of their players shall be excited and for them it is the biggest game of their lives, especially at Old Trafford and not at home."