Saturday’s biggest stories for the Red Devils.
Youngsters Paddy McNair and Tom Thorpe included in Manchester United squad
Ahead of the Premier League clash with West Ham United manager Louis van Gaal has a selection headache in defence.
As the Guardian reports Tyler Blackett, Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are all absent, leaving Marcos Rojo as the only available centre-back.
As a result van Gaal has been forced to call up McNair and Thorpe from the youth academy.
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Arjen Robben to be used to solve injury crisis at Old Trafford
Ever since the new boss took charge in the summer the Red Devils have struggled with fitness problems.
Currently Michael Carrick, Evans, Marouane Fellaini, Jones, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young are all out with injuries and van Gaal is aiming to use the methods he used with Robben to solve things.
“We shall improve in that matter because normally I don’t have any injuries. As a good example, for a player who was many times injured – Robben – he was never injured [during my reign],” the 63-year-old was quoted by the Guardian.
Luke Shaw can’t wait to make his United debut
The left-back became the most expensive teenager in British history over the summer upon completing his £27m switch to the Theatre of Dreams.
Shaw is yet to make his debut for his new club, but says that he can’t wait.
“I’m back up now, raring to go and hoping to stay injury-free and fit for the rest of the season,” the 19-year-old was quoted by the Sun.
Red Devils must pay full £40m buyout clause to land Valencia’s Nicolas Otamendi
It’s widely thought that after their poor start to the 2014/15 season the 13-time Premier League champions will have to sign some new defenders in January.
One who has been strongly linked is Los Che centre-back Otamendi, but the club have been told they must pay the Argentine’s £40m release clause if they want to sign him, according to the Mirror.
The 26-year-old only arrived at the Mestalla Stadium in February, signing a five-year deal upon completing a £9.3m switch.
Van Gaal annoyed by fitness record of his defenders
The futures of Evans, Jones and Smalling have been cast into doubt as the Dutchman is disappointed with their poor injury records.
All three are currently sidelined with problems and van Gaal has hinted that this could affect their chances in the first team.
“I have been told [about their injury issues] and now they are confirming that. But I have good hopes that we shall improve in that matter, because normally I don’t have any injuries,” the former Netherlands head coach was quoted by the Mirror.