Louis van Gaal says there's no need for #mufc to panic. Read more from his press conference: http://bddy.me/1rf22My 

The source of http://www.manutd.com/

Smalling added to injury list

Manchester United's options in central defence for Saturday have been further reduced after confirmation that Chris Smalling was unable to complete yesterday's (Wednesday's) training session.

The England centre-back joins Phil Jones and Jonny Evans on the injured players list, while Tyler Blackett is also rendered unavailable by his red card in last weekend's defeat to Leicester City.

"Smalling came out of yesterday's training session because he had stiff legs," reported van Gaal at his pre-match press conference. "I won't take risks with players - they have to be fit. Jonny Evans' bone is bruised a lot and we have to wait and see how it goes. I have nine injuries now and one player suspended with Blackett. All three of my right-sided centre-halves are out, so I will have to go to the youth education [system] and pick players from there."

Candidates who could step up to fill the void at centre-back include Under-21 captain Tom Thorpe, who spent time on loan at Birmingham City last season - only to ironically have the spell cut short by injury. Van Gaal did not name names, but he did reiterate: "There are vacancies. The younger players can have their chance. 

"The young players are always ready. They are hungry to play the game. United's youth education has a level that can provide that. There's a big difference between youth games and the Premier League but in one game you can show [prove] yourself."

The source of http://www.manutd.com/

Get your own Chat Box! Go Large!