Midtjylland boss Jess Thorup has warned Manchester United that his set-piece specialists will target their weaknesses in the MCH Stadium on Thursday night.
Only Atletico Madrid scored more goals from set-pieces than the Danish champions last season, with Midtjylland employing specialist coaches and analytics to make the most of their opportunities.
United have conceded 19 goals in the Premier League over the last two seasons, and landed in Jutland on Wednesday without eight-first choice defenders. Captain Wayne Rooney also misses the game through injury while Marouane Fellaini, whose height will be sorely missed, has also stayed in Manchester.
Midtjylland's Jess Thorup says his side will play to their strengths and hurt Manchester United with set-pieces
Louis van Gaal signs an autograph for a fan after the Premier League side arrived at Karup Airport
‘Of course we have talked about it,’ said Thorup. ‘We have noticed that and analysed it. Everybody knows we’re good at set-pieces so we will try and do that tomorrow again.
‘We have practised defence and offence, but we know that games like this can be decided by set-pieces so of course we have worked on that.’
Ten of United’s travelling party are under the age of 23, although Van Gaal is still expected to field a strong line-up.
Thorup added: ‘Honestly, I don’t say what kind of players they come with. We talk about ourselves. It could be the biggest game for the players and the club but for me it doesn’t matter who United play with tomorrow. It’s about how we perform and give a good response for the club and for Danish football.
Marouane Fellaini misses out for United and his aerial prowess will be miss when defending set-pieces
The Red Devils conceded from two set-pieces as Sunderland shocked Van Gaal's side on Saturday
‘I have noticed that (it is a young squad). I saw a couple of hours ago the squad and a lot of guys will talk about Rooney and Fellaini missing, but again it is more about how we go into the game tomorrow.
‘It doesn’t matter which players, young or old, United put on the pitch, we have to be at our best and 100 per cent to have a chance.
‘We have also lost a couple of players in the transfer window and you hope a couple of guys step up to take their chance and it’s the same with United. You don’t know if it’s a good thing that they have that chance.
Midtjylland already have a Premier League scalp after beating Southampton in the qualifying play-offs
‘My job is to think about my own team, and where they are at the moment.
‘Of course, we’ve noticed that in the last couple of weeks United have not played like they normally do but I heard the coach saying that they have to win this competition to get into the Champions League.’
Midtjylland have not played a competitive game since qualifying with a draw at home to Bruges in December. But they played several games on a warm weather training trip to Dubai last week, and Thorup believes they will be ready.
David de Gea will be readying himself for an onslaught of set-pieces during a tough game in Denmark
He said: ‘We’ve had a good pre-season. We played three good matches in Dubai against strong Swedish teams, and hopefully we are looking forward that much to the game that we can step up and given them a good game tomorrow.
‘It’s very important that everyone around us talks about this game. For me, we’ re not here to look for the opponent but to show what we can do. It’s important for the players and also for where the club is now.
‘I would like to get a result out of this first game so we still have something to work with for the second game and there is a possibility we can still get through to the next round.
(From left) Chris Smalling, Daley Blind and Memphis Depay sign a young fans autograph board
‘It could be a draw or a win, let’s talk after the game. The most important thing is to have something to play for in the second game.’
The Midtjylland boss was asked about the ticket row surrounding the game, with United fans unhappy that they are being asked to pay £71 when ticket prices are usually £15. Southampton supporters only had to pay £22 when they met the Danes in a Europa League qualifier in August.
Midtjylland have resisted the temptation to switch to a bigger venue even though the capacity has been reduced from 11,800 to 9,500 tomorrow because no standing is allowed under UEFA rules.
The Danish side have one of the country's hottest prospects in their ranks in Mikkel Duelund
‘I knew this question was coming,’ said Thorup. ‘How can I say it? This is probably the biggest game in the history of this club. I am very satisfied that club decided to play in Herning, although we could have moved to a bigger stadium to get more spectators and earn more money.
‘I have not heard a lot from our fans about the price, and even though everybody pays the same I think it is a fair price. I think I don’t have to go into this but I hope everybody gets value for their money.’
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