Van Gaal: Newcastle are underachievers

The former Barcelona and Ajax coach said: “I look at Newcastle and I do not understand their inferior form in the Premier League.

“A club with men like Solano, Martins, Dyer and Butt must be in a better position in the table.”

He also said: “I know all about Newcastle; from the start of the knock-out stages, I have been watching videos and I now know every detail about them.

“I think there will be plenty of goals across the two matches, and we are superior in that aspect. Not many teams score five in two games against Fenerbahce.

“But the key to the game will be in defence, and I have more confidence in AZ there too.”