With Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial and Marouane Fellaini unavailable, Van Gaal could ask Depay to lead the line for United at Watford on Saturday.
Advertisement
Van Gaal will also speak to Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger to assess their mental state after both played in the France v Germany global at the Stade de France on the night of the Paris terrorist outrages. “He has played very well but also with him it’s a question if he is consistent and that we have to wait and see”, the United manager said.
Antonio Valencia is out for several months after a foot operation, and Luke Shaw continues his rehabilitation from a broken leg. The midfield is not spared from problems, with Michael Carrick recovering from a slightly ligament injury after playing for England.
The 21-year-old Netherlands worldwide has not featured in a Premier League game since being replaced at half-time during United’s 3-0 defeat at Arsenal at the beginning of October.
“Of course [I expect more] because otherwise he would still be in the team”, BBC Sport quote Van Gaal as saying.
“Whichever of the three of us is selected to play, I think we all know the distances that we need to cover and I feel that’s crucial, especially where you can’t have any gaps in the back nine”.
There was not a lot of memorable action for the Man Utd fans to enjoy throughout much of their game against West Bromwich Albion before the global break, but the team picked up a victory which leaves them just two points off the top of the Premier League and with reason to claim that they are part of the title race, despite all the regular arguments to the contrary.
“I remember my very first training session”.
Van Gaal could also have a selection dilemma in midfield.
The Dutch youngster came to Old Trafford with a huge reputation after his exploits for PSV in the Eredivisie last season, and had worked with Van Gaal at worldwide level before. “There is always a chance he will play”.
“And that other player is Jesse Lingard”. With Fellaini still sidelined by a calf problem, Van Gaal admits he has a “big problem” selecting an attack.
With the current form of Manchester United and with their injury-hit Saturday side, there is guarantees of United getting a result against the Hornets.
Advertisement
David Beckham said this week that the iconic United No 7 shirt that he wore and has been the property of Red greats like George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo was an inspiration to him.
