Premier League: Manchester United set to start with Juan Mata at No 10 v Everton

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says it is likely that Juan Mata will fill in for the suspended Wayne Rooney against Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday.

And youngster Paddy McNair will again line up in defence as van Gaal continues to grapple with a lengthy injury list.

United have eight players out due to injury and Rooney is banned for the visit of his former club after he was sent off during last week’s 2-1 win over West Ham.

Van Gaal said: “I will miss Wayne because he is the captain of the team but Mata can also play very well.

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“I have to choose. Juan Mata has played well in his (Rooney’s) position. We have eight injuries and one red card, so nine players are not available. 

“It's difficult to explain. You can be fit but not match fit - that's a big difference. For example, Ander Herrera is fit but he cannot play because of his rib pressure and Marouane Fellaini has trained for one week but is not fit to play 90 minutes.”

Regarding McNair, he added: “We still have three central defenders injured, so he shall play.

“He is the only player who can play in the right-sided defensive position. I chose him last week and he was very good.

“It's difficult for a player like him to maintain that level - that is his biggest challenge.”

Van Gaal also revealed that he has given his consent to the club's proposals to play overseas mid-week friendlies in the absence of european football.

United managing director Richard Arnold confirmed earlier this week that the club, who are not involved in any European competition, were looking at the possibility of arranging lucrative exhibition matches in 2015.                

Van Gaal says he will go along with the idea and feels the team will benefit from the extra games once they have got more used to the changes he is implementing.
                  
"I agree with that. I said that also. We (van Gaal and Arnold) have spoken last week with each other and (executive vice-chairman) Ed Woodward, so I fully agree," he said.
                  
"I'm used to playing mid-weeks but I have said in the first three months we have to wait because it's difficult enough for the players to adapt and adjust to the new play organisation and style and they shall honour that also.
                  
"But we shall play mid-weeks. It's good, because I like to play games against high-level opponents."