Uefa Europa League round-up: Van Gaal’s despair deepens in Denmark, Klopp frustrated at Augsburg, Valencia give Neville boost

Defeat for Manchester United compounds Van Gaal’s woes, while Tottenham secure a valuable 1-1 away draw against Fiorentina

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Manchester United players were dejected after another poor result. This time going down to Danish outfit Midtjylland. Photo: Reuters

Published: 9:55am, 19 Feb 2016Updated: 9:55am, 19 Feb 2016

A miserable season for Louis van Gaal and Manchester United took a new turn for the worse on Thursday as they lost 2-1 away to Danish champions Midtjylland in the Europa League.

It’s just not good enough. It’s not acceptable. It’s got to be a lot better

Michael Carrick

Goals from the talented Pione Sisto and young Nigerian forward Paul Onuachu gave Midtjylland the victory in Herning after Memphis Depay had put a weakened United side ahead in the first leg of their last-32 tie.

That away goal gives United every chance of turning things around in next Thursday’s return at Old Trafford but the spectre of a humiliating exit hangs in the air at a time when Van Gaal’s side lag behind in their bid to finish in the top four of the Premier League.

Under-fire Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal looks dejected with assistant Ryan Giggs as United go down in Denmark. Photo: Reuters

The Dutch manager has admitted winning the Europa League may now be his side’s best chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League and this latest setback will only increase the pressure on him.

He sent out a weakened side with Sergio Romero replacing the injured David de Gea in goal, and the likes of Paddy McNair and Donald Love featuring from the start against opponents who eliminated Southampton earlier in the competition, and Midtjylland deserved their win.

“It’s just not good enough. It’s not acceptable. It’s got to be a lot better,” admitted United midfielder Michael Carrick, speaking to BT Sport.

“We didn’t really kick on after we scored. With a performance and a result like that we go home very disappointed.”

Mauricio Pochettino will be pleased his Tottenham side managed to register an away goal in a tricky Italian assignment. Photo: EPA

Premier League title contenders Tottenham Hotspur fared better, coming away from their trip to Italy to face Fiorentina with a 1-1 draw that puts them in a strong position ahead of next week’s return.