Despite scoring seven goals in all competitions in 2016, Wayne Rooney won’t feature for Manchester United against FC Midtjylland.
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He was not in van Gaal’s 18-man squad which travelled to Denmark on Wednesday for the first leg of their last-32 tie and a United statement said Van Gaal would provide further details at his pre-match press conference. Darmian the right full will also miss out through injury after dislocating his shoulder last weekend.
As for the forward’s return, Van Gaal said: “It’s hard to say, but he’s injured in the game versus Sunderland (on Saturday) and has a knee problem”.
United’s travelling support of around 800 is expected to raise banners and chant in protest at the price of tickets at Midtjylland’s MCH Arena, where fellow Premier League side Southampton’s supporters were charged just £22 for the tournament’s play-off qualifier.
The Danish side are currently on their winter break and they face into a really tough task against a Manchester United team who now look at this competition as their best chance of getting a Champions League spot next season.
Asked about his approach to young players, Van Gaal said: “They have played in the league, FA Cup and Europe, and that helps you develop more than playing for the reserves”.
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Van Gaal has admitted that winning the Europa League is now looking United’s most viable route into the Champions League. While I think Manchester United are deserved favourites I think the price is short.
