Louis van Gaal has revealed that he could be without three of Manchester United’s senior squad for the derby with Man City this weekend.
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Robin van Persie has returned to first-team training but is not yet match fit after just over a month on the sidelines according to the BBC.
The Dutchman said he would be ready to return to action in this fixture earlier this week having not played since a 2-1 defeat to Swansea City towards the end of February, but has been ruled out by van Gaal.
The United boss also revealed that Luke Shaw is not yet fit enough to play whilst Andres Pereira has been called up by the Brazil U-20s and been given permission to travel.
“Most of the players are fit but fit for me is a different situation. I don’t think every player is fit,” said Van Gaal.
“Perreira has been invited by Brazil team and I have given him position to go. RVP is not fit enough to play. I don’t think Luke Shaw is fit enough to play. But I cannot say they are not fit. In my opinion they are not fit to play.”
It might only be his second Manchester derby but van Gaal already seems consumed by the idea of beating United’s local rivals.
The Red Devils coach claims he’s even been dreaming of how to beat City, he’s become so consumed by the fixture.
“I dream of it, every player shall dream of the victory,” said Van Gaal claim the BBC. “I have to think with my staff and players already a lot of days how we have to beat Man City.
“You are sitting in that process to beat your next opponent and of course you want to win because it is a big step in the table also. When you win the third place in then reachable and a month ago nobody was thinking about that, besides me of course.”
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