Van Gaal Still Upset By Injury Situation

Louis van Gaal is disappointed that seven Manchester United stars are sidelined for the derby against City.

The Dutchman remains bemused by the injury situation at Old Trafford, with only Antonio Valencia of those who missed the Chelsea game available, although Wayne Rooney returns from suspension.

"As a coach, you’re always prepared and are used to a lot of injuries but I’m not used to this many injuries," he told MUTV. "At most clubs I have trained, we have had very few injured players but now I’m here for the first time and we are always having a lot of injuries.

"This week, we still have seven injuries. I can hardly make a choice as there are so many players we do not have. I’m very disappointed but very sad for the players. There are players falling injured again and it’s difficult. We don’t know what we are doing wrong. So we have evaluated it ourselves but it will take a lot of time and it is still going on. It's a big disappointment but we can only play with 11 men against City so there is not any problem."

Van Gaal is keen to see his side make a fast start at the Etihad Stadium and wants a ruthless streak in front of goal.

"I hope we can score out of our first chance because we have created a lot of chances against Chelsea," he stated. "I think always in our games that we have played in the Premier League, we didn’t score from our first chance and then it is more easy to win the game."

When asked about local bragging rights and how important it is to avoid fans turning up for work to face a ribbing from their colleagues, the boss was adamant on his feelings on the subject.

"When you lose, it’s a very bad week for the Manchester United fans but also for the manager of Manchester United," he relayed. "I can assure you of that."