Luke Shaw believes Manchester United have what it takes to become “unstoppable” in their quest for Europa League glory.

Glimmers of promise have been counterbalanced by frustrating individual and collective displays during Jose Mourinho’s first season in the Old Trafford dugout.

An unhappy knack of drawing matches they have dominated means United are scrapping for a top-four finish rather than the English Premier League crown, although the Europa League offers a failsafe as they bid to return to the Champions League.

Mourinho’s men continue their tilt at continental trophy success when they face Anderlecht in the first leg of their quarter-final tonight – a trip to Belgium that Shaw, back from the cold, says they approach brimming with confidence.

“Every single game is massive now, but I think the one on Thursday (today) is huge,” Shaw told reporters.

“We have to treat every game in that competition now like it’s a final. We want to win that tournament – it’s a trophy and it gives us qualification for the UEFA Cham-pions League.”

While Community Shield and League Cup glory have been welcome boons, winning the Europa League, given all it entails, would undoubtedly trump both.

“I think we have to look at that as the priority now,” Shaw added.

“We’ve got to fight for that. Anderlecht will be tough, every team left in this stage of the competition will have quality.

Rooney absent

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney will miss their Europa League quarter-final first leg against Anderlecht due to an ankle injury, manager Jose Mourinho said yesterday, during the ritual pre-match press conference.

The England forward, who has sat out United’s last two matches, did not travel to Brussels for the game today.

“He is not happy with his condition,” Mourinho told reporters.

“He has bad feelings with his ankle and he’s not ready to play. Let’s see for the weekend, let’s see for next week. We don’t have many players and need everyone to try to be available.”

United right back Antonio Valencia should be fit to return against the Belgian team after missing the last two games and Mourinho said that Mancester United would have to be at their best against dangerous opponents.

“They are a good team and have a certain way of playing, adapted to the qualities of their players,” he said.

“They play well, press well and have talented players. I think we have to play at our best level.

“When a team arrives at this stage of the competition, everyone feels it’s possible (to win it). The motivation is high for everyone,’’ Mourinho added.

Quarter-finals, first legs

Playing today
Ajax Amsterdam (Netherlands) vs Schalke 04 (Germany) - 21.05
Anderlecht (Belgium) vs Manchester United (England)    
Celta Vigo (Spain) vs Genk (Belgium)    
Lyon (France) vs Besiktas (Turkey)

Second legs: April 20.