United will again be forced to reshuffle their back four after winger Ashley Young, who has been filling in at full back, was ruled out for the foreseeable future with a severe groin problem.
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However the Dutchman remained at his post and results have improved with United winning three of their last four matches, most notably last weekend when the red devils recorded a 0-1 win at Anfield against Liverpool. Borthwick-Jackson and Varela are doing great, but the level at Manchester United is high.
Since Southampton’s return to the top flight in 2012, United have beaten them only once in three attempts at Old Trafford, a 2-1 win three years ago this month.
Van Gaal complained this month that the atmosphere among United’s players was “maybe too good” as they stuck up for each other and protected team-mates during an eight-match winless run which threatened to derail their season and cost manager Van Gaal his job.
He said: “Not only Wayne Rooney is doing that, there are several players doing that – and that is what I want”.
Manchester United go into the game sitting in fifth spot in the Premier League, two points behind fourth placed Tottenham Hotspur.
“To give a high performance every week normally is very hard for youngsters, which is why we have to look always in this transfer period for replacements”, he said. “I want to sign the sort of player who will still be at Manchester United after I am gone but such players are not easy to locate”.
“I have a relationship with the players of Manchester United, that is the most important thing”.
“I think players have to take responsibility. We have to win, our fans are always expecting us to win and certainly at home”.
Hopefully the youngster can outperform the likes of Sadio Mané, proving his class to both Louis Van Gaal and fans, thus securing his future at the club for the short period of injuries, and possibly the nearby future.
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