De Gea missing for San Jose Earthquakes clash
Cal Athletics, who use the stadium for gridiron games, said at the time: “Our campus representatives were informed by our promotional partner, Relevent Sports, that the Manchester United vs. San Jose Earthquakes match scheduled for July 21 at California Memorial Stadium, has been relocated to Avaya Stadium in San Jose”.
“They are minor injuries”, Van Gaal told reporters at his pre-match press conference ahead of the San Jose game.
De Gea, who missed the 1-0 victory over Club America in the team’s pre-season opener in Seattle, has picked up a minor knock and visited the hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, during an exclusive interview with MUTV, held after the press conference, the manager confirmed he will field the same starting XI in each half against the Earthquakes as he did against Club America, although Sam Johnstone will play the whole match.
After impressive performances from all of United’s debutants, Matteo Darmian, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinteiger and Memphis Depay are all again expected to play some part.
“Only Sam Johnstone shall play 90 minutes because we don’t take any risks with the other two goalkeepers”. It was former Southampton midfielder Schneiderlin who scored the only goal on Friday and is likely to line up with Michael Carrick and Schweinsteiger in a midfield three.
The interchanging front four of Memphis, Rooney, Mata and Young will get another outing, although they will be hopeful of creating more chances than they did in the opening game. This means that it will kick-off at 4.05am on Wednesday morning in the United Kingdom.