Van Gaal Gives Update On Injured Players

Louis van Gaal has provided more information on the injuries sustained by Paddy McNair and Jesse Lingard in Manchester United's defeat to Bournemouth.

The duo were forced to come off during the 2-1 loss at the Vitality Stadium, adding to the Reds' already lengthy list of casualties, but there was some good news as Phil Jones made a late comeback, coming on in McNair's place.

Speaking after the game, van Gaal explained that the Northern Ireland international was substituted after suffering from cramp, while Lingard will now be assessed to determine the nature and extent of his injury, which is a suspected hamstring problem.

"McNair had cramp, he hasn't played much this season," van Gaal said. "With Lingard, it is a second occurrence in a short space of time so we will have to see."

The manager has already suggested that he expects Matteo Darmian, Chris Smalling and Ander Herrera to return before Christmas, but Bastian Schweinsteiger will definitely miss the next two games - Norwich City at home, Stoke City away - through suspension.

United Under-21s' final league fixture of 2015, against Leicester City on Monday, may present an opportunity to give game time to players ahead of next Saturday's first-team match at Old Trafford.