Louis van Gaal has revealed Robin van Persie and Luke Shaw are fit for Manchester United’s FA Cup clash against Cambridge United
Robin van Persie is fit to return for Manchester United when they face Cambridge in the FA Cup on Friday. The striker, who missed the 2-0 win against QPR with an ankle injury, is back in contention, along with left-back Luke Shaw. Both players missed the victory over QPR on Saturday having picked up knocks against Southampton the previous week, but could return to the starting XI at the Abbey Stadium. Van Gaal does not have a fully-fit squad, however, with centre-backs Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling joining Ashley Young in the treatment room ahead of Friday’s trip to the League Two outfit.
“We have to wait until training but Ashley Young, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans are out for sure,” Van Gaal told MUTV. “Robin van Persie is available, Luke Shaw is also available.”
Van Persie is United’s eight-goal joint top-scorer and, in his absence, Radamel Falcao came back into the team at QPR to partner Angel Di Maria in attack. Shaw, who had returned from an ankle injury in the 1-0 defeat to Southampton, did not figure in the matchday 18 at Loftus Road on Saturday. Evans and Smalling have both had injury-hit seasons and United will be missing two of their taller players as Van Gaal expects to face a physically imposing side in League Two Cambridge.
Victor Valdes has been tipped to make his debut for the Red Devils against Richard Money’s side after completing his move to the Old Trafford outfit earlier this month. The former Barcelona goalkeeper has been on the bench for both league matches since his arrival, and Van Gaal refused to give away whether he would replace David de Gea for the fourth round tie.
“I find it unbelievable how the media can write that Valdes will start. I don’t want to say anything about my line-up until three quarters of an hour before the game. I cannot answer these questions because then I give you my line-up and that I don’t want,” he said in his news conference.
He also stated that he will stick to his favored 3-5-2 formation in the FA Cup tomorrow which has come under criticism in recent weeks. Cambridge went through after beating Luton Town 2-1, in the third round while United overcame Yeovil Town 2-0. Cambridge are currently struggling in League Two have a wonderful opportunity to write their names in the history books.
Probable Line-up (3-5-2): Valdes, Jones, McNair, Rojo; Rafael, Blind, Fellaini, Herrera, Di Maria; Wilson, Falcao