ALREADY TRAILING AFTER a first-leg defeat in Denmark, Manchester United have been dealt another blow ahead of tonight’s Europa League tie against Midtjylland at Old Trafford.

Louis van Gaal is without 13 players because of injury with Chris Smalling and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson the latest casualties.

As a result, 8 academy players are part of the side’s 18-man squad.

Though Marcos Rojo is back in contention after almost two months out, van Gaal has said the Argentine will only be able to play a cameo role from the bench.

Joe Riley (centre) in action against Manchester City's U21 side last weekend. Nigel French / EMPICS Sport Nigel French / EMPICS Sport / EMPICS Sport

Guillermo Varela and Daley Blind could be joined in defence by Northern Ireland’s Paddy McNair with 19-year-old Joe Riley, who made his debut in the FA Cup win over Shrewsbury, set to deputise for Borthwick-Jackson at left-back.

Meanwhile, van Gaal has also called up 18-year-old striker Marcus Rashford who is still to make his senior debut.

Louis van Gaal’s press conference took on a rather raunchy tone earlier

This is one of the best free-kicks we’ve seen in a while