Additionally, Ander Herrera, Phil Jones and Juan Mata all had to be substituted during the game after picking up knocks and while Martial and Rooney returned to training on Tuesday, van Gaal would not be drawn on their involvement.
Advertisement
Valencia and Shaw are long-term absentees and will definitely miss PSV’s visit. The centre-back partnership of Smalling and Blind is also likely to be witnessed as the pair have been outstanding for van Gaal’s side.
Although Marouane Fellaini, who has been a bit-part player for United this season, could be played in order to give Schweini a rest ahead of next weekend’s tricky tie against in-form Leicester City who now top the Premier League table, but the Belgian is out injured.
The United boss also offered words of praise for Depay, after his improved showing against Watford. He showed that in the first half especially at Watford.
The young striker James Wilson was also present after overcoming a knee injury.
But left-back Shaw has been spared a reunion with PSV as he continues his recovery from the double leg break he sustained in United’s 2-1 defeat in Eindhoven in September, which was their opening Group B game.
United take on PSV in their next Champions League fixture on Wednesday, yet will face the Dutch outfit without a host of players who are side-lined through injury.
Having guided the club back into the competition at the first attempt last season, and with his side now in second place in the Premier League, Van Gaal’s body of work comes against the din of expectation. Last season was his adaption season and he was on his way. Hector Moreno came in for £3.5 million from Espanyol while 20-year-old Gastón Pereiro came from Nacional and has already scored five times in the league and thrice in the KNVB Beker.
Since then, their strong Champions League home form has been vital, with wins over Wolfsburg and CSKA boosting their hopes of topping the group. Pereiro and Luuk De Jong got the goals on Saturday evening.
The 21-year-old Netherlands worldwide believes he is gradually returning to his best from.
PSV will be without Menno Koch, who is still ruled out after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, Jetro Willems and Maxime Lestienne.
Advertisement
Left winger Maxime Lestienne has been away on special leave after the death of both parents just six weeks apart.
