• Premier League

Van Gaal dismisses United injury crisis

ESPN staff
September 22, 2014
Manchester United's defensive woes continue

Louis van Gaal believes Manchester United can manage without defender Jonny Evans as they wait to find out how severe the centre-back's injury is.

The Northern Ireland international was pictured with his foot in a protective cast after he was taken off in the first half of United's 5-3 defeat at Leicester on Sunday and left the King Power Stadium on crutches.

United reveal their ugly flaws

Louis van Gaal was angry about Manchester United's approach © Getty Images
  • Manchester United looked exactly like what they actually are at Leicester - an unfamiliar group working under a coach who doesn't favour making things simple, writes John Brewin.
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Evans will have a scan on Monday as United, who are already without the hamstrung Phil Jones, are set to be without the three central defenders who have made most starts for them this season.

"He got a kick," Van Gaal told MUTV. "I don't know how bad it is. We have to wait and see. He's on crutches."

But the United manager shrugged off his loss and insisted his side can cope after Chris Smalling returned to first-team action as Evans' replacement against Leicester.

The Dutchman also signed Marcos Rojo in the transfer window and while the Argentina international has been used as a left-back so far, he could move into the middle of the defence, allowing Luke Shaw to make his debut on the flank.

Van Gaal added: "I think Shaw shall be fit enough to play and Rojo and Smalling can play. We can manage."

However, United will also be without Tyler Blackett at West Ham on Saturday when he serves a one-match suspension following his dismissal at Leicester.

In addition, youngster Michael Keane, who featured in August's 1-1 draw against Sunderland, is no longer available after joining Burnley on loan.

Van Gaal may not consider the options available to him as inadequate, but the players' performance against Leicester was another matter.

"A lot of players lost their heads," he said. "Then, anything is possible. We gave it away. They didn't have to create a lot of chances.

"You have to keep possession and it was, in my opinion, because of the penalty there was for a lot of [my] players a fear to lose. When you make such personal errors then you cannot win. When you play for Manchester United this is not possible."

Jonny Evans was seen wearing a plastic boot after going off © Getty Images
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