Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has another injury headache as Donald Love suffered a setback this week to make it 17 players out due to fitness issues this week.
The 21-year-old is believed to have suffered a hamstring injury during the 2-1 win over Middlesbrough in Monday’s Under-21 match, and will now likely face a spell on the sidelines.
In contrast, Van Gaal was handed a boost with Adnan Januzaj coming through an hour without suffering any setbacks as he continues to recover from injury and reach full fitness.
Nevertheless, United will still be without 17 players for the clash with Watford on Wednesday night, with Love, Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, Luke Shaw, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Wayne Rooney, Sam Johnstone, Chris Smalling, Axel Tuanzebe, Marcos Rojo, Sean Goss, Marouane Fellaini, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Will Keane and Anthony Martial all missing out.
In what has been a difficult season for the Red Devils, the Dutch tactician will be desperate to get as many players back as soon as possible as they attempt to salvage their campaign and end on a positive note.
Having now recorded three consecutive wins in all competitions, scoring 11 goals in that period to put their goalscoring woes behind them for the time being, United appear to be finding some momentum at a key time of the year.
Although Manchester City have a game in hand, Van Gaal’s side have temporarily closed the gap to fourth place to three points, and will hope to finish strong in order to secure a spot in the Champions League next year.