Martial, 19, was injured in France’s friendly global against England on Tuesday, while Rooney is ill. Valencia will be sidelined for a number of months after foot surgery.
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But he has no choice but to put his faith in the £25m star again after Rooney was struck down with illness and Martial suffered a foot problem during France’s midweek defeat to England at Wembley.
In fact, the Englishman has been at the heart of United’s build-up play under Van Gaal’s reign; he has completed a mammoth 489 successful passes this term, boasting an impressive 90% completion rate.
Van Gaal’s suggestion that Januzaj should join a lesser club makes flawless sense. “And that’s a big blow because Rooney is ill, so we have a big problem, I think”. I don’t want to answer that question because it is too positive’. Martial can not play because he is injured.
“Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin can play, if we don’t take into account this event that has happened”.
However, the Dutchman hopes that both will be ready to play against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League group stage next week.
Chris Smalling has attributed Manchester United’s strong defensive record this season to manager Louis van Gaal’s instructions on the training pitch.
Rooney has scored two goals this season while Martial has tallied three.
United’s most impressive statistics at the moment are defensive.
A victory against Watford would help United move into the top spot at least until Manchester City, Arsenal and Leicester City, play later on Saturday.
Smalling thinks that chant will be a thing of the past if United win a trophy come May, however.
“For me, these give me happiness every day”.
“It would be flawless for the Premier League for him to stay and ideal for him”.
Watford have concerns over their risky Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo, who faces a late fitness test after returning late from global duty. José Manuel Jurado is also a doubt with a hamstring injury, while Joel Ekstrand and Sebastian Prodl are ruled out.
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Prediction: The encounter doesn’t exactly promise to be full of goals.
