Over-stretched United players in ‘red zone’, says Van Gaal

United had a long list of injuries during the festive season and although many have since returned, it is likely Louis van Gaal will use it as a chance to rest some of his starters.

Bayern Munich coach Guardiola, 44, has announced he will leave the German club in May after three seasons.

Although Manchester City are the favourites to land the Spaniard, Manchester United has been mentioned as a possible destination with Van Gaal’s future at Old Trafford far from certain.

On Schweinsteiger’s chances of being fit to feature against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Wednesday morning (AEDT), Van Gaal said: “It shall be hard”.

Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger injured his knee and is a doubt for Tuesday’s Premier League match at Newcastle United.

‘I don’t think he likes his teams to play football, we’ve seen nothing different now for the last six months.

“You look at Chelsea, who won the Premier League a year ago and were knocked out of the FA Cup by Bradford City [last season]”.

“We have still to see that”, Van Gaal said, “because one swallow doesn’t make a summer”.

When asked about the Anderson bid rumours, Van Gaal said: “I can not discuss that with you”. It was the same old stuff from Van Gaal’s men – sideways pass after sideways pass.

Chris Smalling is now referred to as “Pele” by Louis van Gaal as the Manchester United manager admits he still struggles to remember the defender’s first name.

United face League One side Sheffield United in the third-round of the famous competition tomorrow and will be aiming to lift the trophy for the first time since 2004. “However, I have talked with Adnan, saying that I believe in him and I want to help you, but you have to do it yourself”. I think they lack real quality.

“He has been tested already this morning and he didn’t play so much 90 minutes in the pre-season and he has to show his fitness in the second team”.

Hainer, who signed off a £750million sponsorship deal with United past year, said United’s style is “not exactly what we want to see”.

Van Gaal confirmed earlier that he is likely to rest some of his starters. Ashley Young is likely to be benched, but player Jesse Lingard will be available after he complained of a sore hamstring.