Newsletter

Get your daily update and weekly newsletter by signing up today!

News

Louis Van Gaal gives fitness update on 5 players ahead of Newcastle

9 years ago
Share

Louis Van Gaal has been speaking ahead of Manchester United’s visit to St. James’ Park on Wednesday night.

The Man U manager confirming that he only has one definite injury in the lead up to the game.

Robin Van Persie definitely misses and will be out for an unspecified time.

However, the Dutch manager says that he also has fitness concerns about a number of players.

Michael Carrick is one who definitely isn’t a position to start the game according to Van Gaal.

He was on the bench at the weekend as the Mancs beat Sunderland 2-0 despite playing poorly for much of the game.

Earlier today it was reported that the Geordie midfielder came very close to signing for Newcastle before he decided to join West Ham and now Van Gaal says that he may use him as a substitute on Wednesday, especially with the experience he has got and his leadership qualities.

The Man Utd manager saying that he also has decisions to make on Luke Shaw, Victor Valdes and Phil Jones, with his backroom staff’s advice as to fitness playing a big part in his decision.

“The only injured player is van Persie, it is too quick though to say anything about that (how long he’ll be out.

“I think it’s too early for Michael Carrick, he’s trained now in three training sessions with us and he was in the 18 (v Sunderland) and I took a risk with that.

“As a substitute, you can play 20 minutes, which he can do. He has the experience so I can make an exception. He’s also a captain, so I can make an exception but it is not often I do that.”

Asked whether Phil Jones, Victor Valdes and Luke Shaw will be involved against Newcastle:

“It’s difficult to say as, in every training session, you can be injured or the fatigue specialist can say he is not fit enough to play a game, then I have to decide not to use that player.”

Share

If you would like to feature on The Mag, submit your article to contribute@themag.co.uk

Have your say

© 2024 The Mag. All Rights Reserved. Design & Build by Mediaworks