Speaking ahead of Manchester Uniteda s fixture against Manchester City,Van Gaal confirmed that Robin Van Persie and Luke Shaw are unfit for the game while confessing that he was not inclined to a change a winning teama .
a a Never change a winning teama is an English expression but I always have my eyes open. Ita s also an obligation to the substitutes that you have to compare players.a
Van Gaal revealed that Van Persie and Luke Shaw are likely to miss the Manchester derby as they are not match-fit.
a Van Persie is not fit enough to play. I dona t think Shaw is fit enough to play. I cannot say they are not fit, but in my opinion they are not fit to play.a
Doubts have also been raised regarding Chris Smalling and it will be interesting to see if Van Gaal risks the defender in such a crucial fixture. The manager also spoke about Angel Di Maria and admitted that the winger was pushing for a starting spot after being relegated to the bench by Ashley Young and Juan Mata who have been on splendid form.
a Not only Angel [is pushing for a place], but every player who is training in the first squad are pushing because they want to do their utmost.a
The manager did not speak about Radamel Falcao but after his insistence on benching the player in recent fixtures and his reiteration of the need to not change the winning team, it is unlikely that the the Colombian will find his name on the starting line-up at Old Trafford.