Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has suggested that his team have lost their fear factor following a string of disappointing results.

The Red Devils have lost 11 matches in all competitions so far this season and find themselves fifth in the Premier League table, six points off fourth-placed Manchester City.

Last week United suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to Danish unknowns FC Midtjylland in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie.

Tonight, they take on Shrewsbury Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

When asked by reporters if teams do not fear United anymore, Van Gaal said: "When you see the last two games it is maybe like that, but then we have to make them fear again. It is a question of winning matches in a row.

"You cannot continue with losing and the question is how we are lifting ourselves for this game because Shrewsbury shall also fight [like Midtjylland] for the second balls and play direct and that kind of thing, and you have to cope with that. You have to keep the ball better and not give unnecessary losses away."

It has been widely reported that Jose Mourinho will replace Van Gaal as manager in the summer due to United's troubled season.