Team News Ahead Of Blades FA Cup Clash
Louis van Gaal has told MUTV that Phil Jones is out of Manchester United's Emirates FA Cup tie with Sheffield United but Jesse Lingard is ready to return to the side.
Jones was withdrawn at half-time of the win over Swansea City last time out with Matteo Darmian entering the fray and prompting a reshuffle at the back.
Ashley Young is in training after also being hurt against the Welsh side while Lingard is an option again after being out since the defeat at Bournemouth in December.
United defenders Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia and Marcos Rojo remain on the sidelines after surgery, Adnan Januzaj is unlikely to play and another youngster definitely unavailable is Ben Pearson, who is cup-tied after representing Barnsley in the competition.
"Of course, we have the long-term injuries," said the manager. "Shaw, Valencia and Rojo. But Jones is also injured. Then we have to wait and see because I have a lot of players who are in the 'red zone' [in terms of fitness], overloaded, and that I decide later.
"Lingard is coming back from injury. He has trained a full week so he is ready. Young is not injured but he is overloaded and in the 'red zone'. More players are in the 'red zone' and we have to decide if they can play against Sheffield United or not."
In terms of the three long-term absentees, van Gaal was asked if they were making good progress in their recovery.
"I think so," he replied. "They are, all three, going very well. Shaw and Valencia also had a holiday break and they have come back very brightly and they have the spirit to continue so that's also very good. Rojo was here and shall also have a break at the end of January when it is possible for him. But it is going very well."
The Reds face the Blades, a club with a decent cup pedigree of late, at Old Trafford on Saturday, hoping to build on last weekend's Barclays Premier League victory and clinch a place in Monday evening's fourth-round draw.
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