MANCHESTER UNITED DEFENDER Tyler Blackett will return from suspension for Sunday’s home match against Everton in the Premier League, but manager Louis van Gaal has said that Paddy McNair will continue at centre-back.
The 19-year-old Northern Ireland defender made his debut in the 2-1 win over West Ham United last weekend and van Gaal is happy for him to stay in the team.
The United manager has also suggested that Juan Mata will replace suspended captain Wayne Rooney.
- Herrera, Fellaini not ready -
“It’s no difference. I believe we still have three central defenders injured so (McNair) shall play,” said the Dutchman.
“He’s the only player that can play in that right central defender position. I chose him last week and he played very good.
“For a player like him it’s very difficult to maintain that level. That is his biggest challenge.
“I think in (Rooney’s) position, Juan Mata has also played well. I had to choose at that time. I shall miss him because of the captaincy, but Juan Mata can also play very well.”
Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera is absent with a rib injury and van Gaal does not expect Marouane Fellaini to be available to face his old club as he works his way back from an ankle injury.
Van Gaal said: “It’s difficult to explain, but you can be fit but not match fit. That’s the big difference. So for example Herrera is fit, but he can’t play because of his rib pressure. He’s fit, but he cannot play.
“Fellaini has trained one week but he’s not fit to play 90 minutes. We have eight injuries and one red card (suspension), so nine players are not available to play.”
Van Gaal refused to disclose whether United have already attempted to make Colombian striker Radamel Falcao’s season-long loan move from Monaco permanent.
United go into the weekend in seventh place in the league table, two points below the Champions League places and eight points behind early-season pace-setters Chelsea.
