Giovanni van Bronckhorst expecting Manchester United backlash
Thursday 7 November 2019 11:52, UK
Feyenoord boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst expects a Manchester United backlash on Thursday, having already beaten them in the Europa League.
Jose Mourinho's United side could face elimination from the Europa League if they suffer a second defeat to their Dutch opponents in Group A, having lost 1-0 in the Netherlands in September.
Former Arsenal full-back Van Bronckhorst has drawn confidence from that result, but admits United will have added motivation this time around.
"In De Kuip we have seen that it is possible to get a good result against Manchester United," Van Bronckhorst said at his pre-match press conference.
"Now their approach will be different to then, because United must now win. That makes this a very different game than in Rotterdam."
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Karim El Ahmadi, Terence Kongolo and Eric Botteghin will all be missing for Feyenoord at Old Trafford this week due to suspensions and injuries, but Van Bronckhorst has challenged his players to match United's level, calling on his own experiences playing at the stadium with Arsenal.
"In particular, at centre-back we miss many players, three of the five guys who can play there are not available," he said.
"I've played a few times at Old Trafford and know that the atmosphere here is fantastic.
"These are special matches. It's only the third time that Feyenoord and United play each other in the last 20 years. For my players this game is a way to compete with the very top players."
Feyenoord goalkeeper Brad Jones will also be back on familiar ground as the Australian was in the Liverpool side beaten 3-0 at Old Trafford in December 2014.
"This Manchester United is a different team to the one I played against, but United is a team that always has top players," Jones said.
"These top players will rise this season and win games for United, so we have to work hard for a good result. "
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