Man Utd Team News: van Gaal Offers Update On Mata, Fellaini, Herrera + More

Manchester United will look to make it successive Barclays Premier League wins for the first time this season when they take on Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Ahead of the game boss Louis van Gaal has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this afternoon and he gave ManUtd.com a team news and injury update.

With Wayne Rooney suspended following his sending off during last weekend’s 2-1 win over West Ham, the Dutchman has hinted that Juan Mata is set to come in and replace the skipper in the No.10 role in attack.

Van Gaal has been boosted by the return of Tyler Blackett after the centre-back completed his one-match suspension last week. However, it seems the 20-year-old is going to have to make-do with a place among the subs as the United boss has confirmed that Paddy McNair will retain his place in defence.

McNair impressed on his debut against the Hammers and with Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling all still injured, the Northern Ireland youngster is the only available player who can play on the right-side of his two centre-back’s.

Van Gaal went on to confirm that he’s still having to deal with eight injuries and one suspension, meaning a total of nine squad players are unavailable for selection against Everton.

Marouane Fellaini has returned to training this week while Ander Herrera is nursing a minor rib injury, but van Gaal has confirmed neither player are match fit so they join the likes of Ashley Young and Michael Carrick on the sidelines.

The United boss told ManUtd.com:

“Juan Mata has played very well in his [Rooney’s] position. I have to choose. I will miss Wayne because he is the captain of the team but Mata can also play very well.

“We still have three central defenders injured so he [McNair] shall play. He is the only player who can play in the right-sided defensive position. I chose him last week and he was very good. It’s difficult for a player like him to maintain that level – that is his biggest challenge.

“We have eight injuries and one red card so nine players are not available. It’s difficult to explain. You can be fit but not match fit – that’s a big difference. For example, Ander Herrera is fit but he cannot play because of his rib pressure. Marouane Fellaini has trained for one week but is not fit to play 90 minutes.”

United head into the weekend action lying seventh in the Premier League table after six games so van Gaal will be desperate to pick up another three points to go into the international break on a positive note.