Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has included 18-year-old striker Marcus Rashford in his squad for Saturday’s Premier League match at Watford.
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Memphis was hauled off at half-time in a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal and has since lost his place to rising young England star Jesse Lingard.
But Van Gaal does not believe that is Depay’s problem, saying in a news conference on Friday: “I don’t think [that]”.
Martial’s foot injury – suffered on worldwide duty with France on Tuesday – means Depay could see his name in the starting XI against Watford for the first time in seven weeks on Saturday.
His options in attack are limited due to Wayne Rooney’s illness and injuries to Anthony Martial and Marouane Fellaini. Yesterday he was at home so I don’t think he can play either.
“It always depends on the circumstances and what kind of player you need in your selection”. That’s my total human being principle that I always look in the eyes and I communicate with players. It’s a matter of form’.
However, beyond those four, Quique Sanchez Flores has a fully-fit squad to choose from, although problems could come up for Allan Nyom, if he is to be punished by the Cameroon Football Association for missing their recent World Cup qualifiers.
Van Gaal had previously said it was “too early” for Lingard to play for England, but appears to have changed his mind.
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.
In total, 129 people were killed in six attacks across the French capital, and as a mark of respect, the country’s national anthem “La Marseillaise” will be played before kickoff at every Premier League game this weekend.
The Dutchman added: “I am very pleased but it is very fast, although it is the circumstances also”.
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Michael Carrick (ankle) is also out as well as long-term casualties Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw. “I think it’s a case when you get those run of games, and you do feel like you’re playing well, then you feel like you can just keep going and you just want the games to keep coming”.
