adminMANCHESTER. — Manchester United fans will not be pleased with the latest transfer news coming from manager Louis van Gaal. Louis van Gaal’s decision on signing defenders in January was made clear to the public according to the Express.
“When you have injuries you cannot solve the problem otherwise,” said Van Gaal.
“Do we have to buy (defensive) players? No.
“We have more than enough.”
Manchester United’s Dutch manager has made his transfer plans for the near future clear after continuously having to answer to the media and the club’s fans.
With an unprecedented spate of injuries, van Gaal has elected to place his faith in the club’s academy rather than purchase proven talent.
Youth team defenders Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett have both seen first team action this term while the likes of Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw, Rafael, Phil Jones and Daley Blind are all still on the sidelines recovering from injury.
Smalling is out until Christmas with the groin injury he suffered in Manchester United’s win over Southampton. Smalling came off after 18 minutes in the 2-1 win at the St Mary’s Stadium amid fears he could be facing a lengthy spell out with the muscle tear.
But a scan has revealed the injury is not as bad as first feared, although Smalling will miss the next fortnight.
That means the England defender will miss Sunday’s visit of Liverpool, as well as the trip to Aston Villa on December 20, although he could be back to face Newcastle at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
Smalling has endured a tough season, with groin and thigh injuries restricting his appearances, as well as a red card in the Manchester derby.
The loss of Smalling is another personnel blow to United boss van Gaal, who is already without defenders Jones and Rafael. — AFP.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter