There are real problems at the back for van Gaal.
After losing the derby to great rivals Manchester City on Sunday, Manchester United will be looking to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League when they host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
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Yet manager Louis van Gaal has a real defensive headache with so many injuries, but here is how CaughtOffside thinks the Red Devils will lineup.
GK – David de Gea
Once again the goalkeeper has been one of United’s best players this season and if they don’t return to form soon this Spain international could well be poached.
RB – Antonio Valencia
Rafael is injured and with Phil Jones also out and Chris Smalling suspended, Valencia will be required to fill in at right-back once more.
CB – Michael Carrick
It will be the 33-year-old’s first start of the season and with such a plethora of injuries we expect the usual midfielder to play at centre-back in a role where van Gaal will want to utilise his passing ability.
CB – Tyler Blackett
It’s a toss up between Blackett and Paddy McNair for this spot with Marcos Rojo and Jonny Evans also injured, but for having slightly more experience we give it to the former.
LB – Luke Shaw
Is yet to convince van Gaal he is the future left-back for the club, but with so many fitness issues the Dutchman is probably glad of an out-and-out defender in the starting XI.
CDM – Daley Blind
Has impressed quietly since a £13.8m summer switch from Ajax and with such a makeshift defence behind him the Netherlands international could be kept busy.
CM – Marouane Fellaini
Despite being widely considered a flop last season the Belgian has reinvented himself under van Gaal and is now an established figure in the first team.
CM – Angel di Maria
May have cost a British record £59.7m over the summer, but the displays of the Argentina international seem to show he is worth it and di Maria will be looking to pull all the creative strings.
CAM – Adnan Januzaj
With Juan Mata struggling for form we expect van Gaal to give this youngster another chance in the No.10 role, which despite having previously been a winger seems to be the future position of the teenager.
ST – Robin van Persie
There are rumours that the 31-year-old will be dropped for James Wilson, but with so much experience we can’t see van Persie being axed just yet.
ST – Wayne Rooney
The captain really needs to start proving he is worthy of the armband and a game against Palace could be the perfect opportunity for the England international to get back to form.