In the first of three huge matches in ten days over a hectic Christmas- LVG has targeted a nine point return- the boss delivered a positive injury update and suggested that Wayne Rooney, Morgan Schneiderlin, Chris Smalling and Ander Herrera could all return.
Should the skipper feature, it will be his 500th appearance for the club.
Jesse Lingard and Matteo Darmian are both definitely out, though, while Ashley Young is progressing well but remains doubtful and Bastian Schweinsteiger is suspended.
The Reds will be again without long term injury absentees Marcos Rojo, Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw.
Alex Neil's Norwich- promoted via the play-offs last term- come into this one in the bottom three having won only three matches all season and this is a fixture that bodes well for the Reds (the last three league and cup OT meetings have ended 4-0 in our favour).
Speaking on Friday, van Gaal said:
"The only answer is to win this match but it shall be difficult because we are playing in the Premier League.
"At home you have to win and that's for sure, Norwich have had good results against the top teams so what I always say- it is not an excuse- is that winning in the Premier League is not easy.
"Goals are the most important thing. we have to look for solutions always to make goals.
"We are doing that but we have to look for the solutions in our selection, that is important.
"Maybe the solution shall come in January but it is not easy because clubs do not very often sell players who score so it is a problem."
Form guide: United W D D D L L Norwich L W L D L D
Match odds: United 11/4 Draw 7/2 Norwich 13/2
Referee: Michael Oliver
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