Louis van Gaal is facing a “big problem” because of a selection crisis for Manchester United’s trip to Watford on Saturday lunchtime. Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial, Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini are all unavailable due to illness and injury, joining fellow absentees Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw.
Rooney became ill after England’s 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday evening, while Martial has a foot injury, leaving Van Gaal with a shortage of options in attack. The manager’s cause is not helped by Fellaini’s absence due to a calf injury.
There could be a place for Memphis Depay, who has not started a league game since 4 October due to a dip in form, and James Wilson, who has made only one start and a total of two appearances this season.
“Rooney came back ill after the break. I have only seen him once, the day after the internationals, and then he was at home. I don’t think he can play,” said Van Gaal on Friday. He also suggested Martial may be fit for Wednesday’s Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven, saying: “It’s not so long [for him]. It’s a matter of time. Maybe he could have played tomorrow.
“Wilson can play but he cannot play a whole match because he doesn’t have the rhythm of the game. I think that everybody knows Michael Carrick and Anthony Martial are injured but also injured is Fellaini. That’s a surprise because I thought he was recovered after the international break but still he is injured. And that’s a big blow because Rooney is ill, so we have a big problem, I think.”
Carrick hurt an ankle playing for England in their 2-0 defeat by Spain last Friday. “Michael Carrick will play a lot quicker than everybody has written,” said Van Gaal. “His injury is not so heavy.”
Van Gaal has spoken to Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin, as well as Martial, about last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris. The trio all took part in France’s friendly against Germany last Friday that was overshadowed by explosions outside the Stade de France.
“What they have told me is private I think but we have communicated about it,” Van Gaal said. “I think it is, for every human being in this world, a big blow, so I don’t think I have to mention what our discussions were.”
Of Jesse Lingard’s selection by Roy Hodgson for the recent England squads, Van Gaal added: “I am very pleased but it is very fast, although it is the circumstances also. But I have congratulated him with his promotion. It is always fine to see how players are developing and because of that he is rewarded.”
Van Gaal said he understood the call-up despite previously stating it might be too soon for the 22-year-old. “I have done the same [as a manager],” he said. “When I think a player deserves it I have selected younger people in my period as national coach. It always depends on the circumstances and what kind of player you need in your selection.
“Of course it is fast but when a player shows at a high level what he can do, then he can do it also in a national team. Now he has the experience of being selected in the national squad of England, which is a different environment. Now he has already has the first experience so when he is called up the next time he is more experienced, which is good.”
