OLD TRAFFORD INJURY CRISIS EASING

United manager Louis van Gaal is confident his side will discover more rhythm and consistency in the second half of the season, particularly when players such as Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo are available for selection.

Van Gaal was asked if his rejuvenated squad will produce more consistent performances in the coming weeks now that nearly everyone is back available for selection.

“I hope so because now the players are coming back and I will have a full selection of players within two or three weeks.
“Normally we should then play better because a lot of players who were also fixed in my line-up, Daley Blind and Di Maria for example- are now coming back.
“Marcos Rojo was also fixed in my line-up and I didn't have the chance to build up the team with the same players.
“I hope I can do this now, but you never know.
“Blind has trained already for one week along with Rojo and Fellaini also trained with us this week”

Ashley Young is now United's only injury with the hamstrung winger turned wingback ruled out for between “four and six weeks” according to his manager.

The usually stoic Dutchman was in jovial mood with reporters in his Carrington press conference on Friday.
“We now only have one player injured- Ashley Young, it is unbelivable, and for me, I think a miracle”

Blind and Rojo have returned to first team training, and although this weekend's match against Southampton is likely to come too soon, they are not far away from a return.

New United signing Victor Valdes has been signed as “competition” for David De Gea, Van Gaal revealed.