Ashley Young facing long time out with injury

Louis van Gaal has admitted that he is desperate to sign a full back this month with Ashley Young facing a long lay-off with a “severe” groin injury that has deepened Manchester United’s defensive crisis.

Despite the 1-0 win at arch-rivals Liverpool last Sunday, which moved them within seven points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, doubts remain over the Dutchman’s suitability to take United forward.

United’s worst fears have now been realised as Van Gaal is once again forced to turn to inexperienced players to plug the gap in the wide defence positions.

Despite these injury problems, United are now unbeaten in five matches across all competitions and van Gaal was asked during his press conference on Friday whether the Reds’ promising form has reassured him that he does not need to enter the January market.

“We are looking for a level but clubs don’t want to sell”, he added.

But Goal understands that restrictions have now been reduced around the Carrington training complex, with players arriving to eat at various times rather than as a whole group, after several senior figures raised the issue with Van Gaal during clear-the-air talks during their festive slump.

Van Gaal continued: “This is why we have to look in this transfer period for replacements”. Great club that taught me so much…

“I would like to think so (that England can win its first major football crown in almost half a century), but I still got to say if people were to give me money and say you have to bet on one of the teams, my money will be on Germany”. Two managers who loath each other, two teams who just can not fail to lose, well enough spice I reckon?

The Bundesliga is a good grounding for players attempting to adapt to the Premier League and Rodriguez has impressive worldwide pedigree, having started in all four of Switzerland’s World Cup games previous year.

“Lot of people will always blame the coach but sometimes the players have to express themselves a little bit more”, the former England captain said.

Manchester United fans in the Transfer Tavern have been relieved to see a long saga edge closer to an end with today’s reports and they have raised a glass in the hope they’ll never have to endure a similar situation.