Injury Update On 4 Reds

Louis van Gaal has confirmed Matteo Darmian will miss Manchester United’s Emirates FA Cup fourth-round tie at Derby County on Friday, although he does not believe the injury is serious.

Darmian became the fifth full-back to join the injury list when he collided with Shane Long during the first half of last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Southampton. The Italian was quickly replaced by Paddy McNair and sent to hospital to undergo a thorough examination of his problem, but on Monday he used his personal Instagram account to tell fans: “Thank you all for the support, I'm fine! See you soon.”

Van Gaal has also confirmed to MUTV that Michael Carrick may return to his team for the first time since registering his 400th United appearance against Sheffield United on 9 January, but the midfielder will not play for 90 minutes against Championship side Derby at the IPro Stadium.

Asked about United’s current injury situation, the manager gave this update on Thursday: “It’s more or less the same. Darmian is now out and maybe Michael Carrick shall come in but of course he’s not able to play 90 minutes. But it’s very good he is coming back. With Darmian, it is very positive actually. It’s not too severe but he’s not able to play against Derby.”

Bastian Schweinsteiger suffered an injury during the second half of the Sheffield United match and that forced the German to miss the three following games. Phil Jones has also not featured since the 2-1 victory over Swansea City at Old Trafford on 2 January and van Gaal is reluctant to state when they will return.

“I cannot say [if they are close] because every time I make a remark about injuries it is always difficult because injuries have developments and you have to wait and see,” the manager said. “Also they have to train and be adapted to the rhythm of the Premier League which is high. When you are more weeks injured it takes more time to adapt to that rhythm.”

Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young are still absent with long-term injuries.