Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal realizes that what seemed easy a few weeks ago, may now be a battle to ensure that United achieves a top-four finish and Champions League football next season.
Southampton is just one point behind fourth placed United with Liverpool just two-points behind the Red Devils who they will play at Anfield later this month.
Ahead of the trip to Saint James Park, manger Louis van Gaal announced that striker Robin van Persie will be missing through injury, and that midfielder Michael Carrick was still not ready to be given a start.
United manager Louis van Gaal hinted just yesterday that we may have to wait to see the best from Angel Di Maria, so given that and the way he played against Sunderland we expect to see Ashley Young and Adnan Januzaj on the wings with captain Wayne Rooney just behind Radamel Falcao in attack.
Blind and Herrera will remain in midfield with the Dutchman having the option of playing Phil Jones in place of Chris Smalling after Jones missed the match against Sunderland.
