Manchester United Injury Update: Van Persie Unavailable; Carrick And Three Others Doubtful

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal disclosed that star striker Robin van Persie will not be available as side is due to travel to St. James’ Park on Thursday (AEST), while Michael Carrick’s fitness will still be assessed.

The Red Devils are coming off a 2-0 win at Old Trafford on Saturday, bouncing back from a 2-1 defeat at the Liberty Stadium against Swansea City.

Meanwhile, Luke Shaw, Victor Valdes, and Luke Shaw, who have all missed out the victory against the Black Cats, will still undergo last minute tests.

"It is difficult to say as, in every training session, you can be injured or the fatigue specialist can say he is not fit enough to play a game," Van Gaal told ManUtd.com.

"And then I have to decide not to use that player. So it's always difficult to say but the only injured player is van Persie.”

"It is too quick to say anything about that [a length of absence for the striker]."

Handicapped as Carrick may be, the Dutch boss still thinks that experience will make up for the skipper’s shortcomings in fitness.

"I think it is too early for Michael Carrick," he continued.

"He trained now in three training sessions with us. Because of the three players I didn't bring with us [against Sunderland], he was in the 18 and I took a risk with that.”

“As a substitute, you can play 20 minutes, which he can do. He has the experience so I can make an exception. He is also a captain, so I can make an exception but it is not often I do that."

Van Gaal won’t be taking Newcastle United lightly, as he knows that they are capable of coming up with a great performance.

“Newcastle always play at a very high rhythm, exerting a lot of energy,” he added.

“They want to play football and I like that. Their fans always get behind the team so I’m expecting a very tough game.”

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