Rafael da Silva has given Louis van Gaal another lift by suggesting he may be the latest Manchester United player to be back in contention for Queens Park Rangers’ visit on Sunday.

The defender would join Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw in being fit again following injury. As Phil Jones’ availability is in the balance owing to the hamstring problem he suffered in England’s 2-0 win over Switzerland, Van Gaal will be keen to have the Brazilian back. Da Silva posted a picture on instagram of himself playing for United in 2009 and wrote “5 years a go young skinny rafael good memories. Back in training ready to help. Let’s go”.

While Herrera has recovered from an ankle problem, Shaw is yet to make his debut following the hamstring injury he sustained on the summer tour of the US. If the 19-year-old suffers no setback the expectation is he can also be in contention.

Radamel Falcao may also make his United debut along with Daley Blind, the holding midfielder and left-sided defender signed from Ajax. Ángel Di María, the British-record £59.7m transfer, will make a home bow if he features against Harry Redknapp’s team.

Jones had his hamstring checked out on Tuesday to determine the seriousness of the problem. The 22-year-old pulled up during the second half of England’s win in Switzerland. He had to be replaced by Phil Jagielka and left the pitch shaking his head.

Despite a Premier League record of only two points from nine, Ashley Young has said United supporters should not be concerned. “I definitely think things are going to turn for us and I would say to the fans there is nothing to worry about, we’re going to come good. It’s just like the manager has said, just believe in the philosophy and how we’re playing and keep believing that we’re going to turn this round, because we do.”