Louis van Gaal claims Manchester United’s injury concerns have forced him to look out for new players in the January transfer window.
The Red Devils host West Ham United for the league tie on Saturday and for the clash against the Hammers, the Dutchman is already without the services of six players. The list includes captain Wayne Rooney, defender Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones, midfielder Ander Herrera and long-term absentees Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia.
“The problem is that our injuries are always contact injuries and you cannot afford that because football is a sport of direct resistance,” Van Gaal explained, as quoted by United’s official website.
“Shaw is direct injured, Rojo and Wayne also. We have a lot of long-lasting contact injuries, which is our problem. We are looking, but as you know it is not so easy to buy players and in January it is more difficult. We are looking but it is not for sure.”
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager earlier confirmed that he is looking for a left-back in the mid-season transfer window due to the England international’s long-term injury.
Rojo suffered a shoulder injury and his absence will be a big blow for Van Gaal as that leaves him with winger-turned full-back Ashley Young and versatile defender Daley Blind as the two first choice players on the left-back.
United should also look out to bring an out-and-out goalscorer as they have only Rooney and Anthony Martial as the recognised strikers in the squad, following James Wilson’s loan move to Brighton and Hove Albion.
Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin has over six months left on his contract. The Championship player has proved his worth and United could make an approach for him in January to bolster their attacking division.
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