Louis Van Gaal to add to his Squad in January

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says he is contemplating adding to his squad in the January transfer window.

The injuries to Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo may force Van Gaal to sign a left-back, while Antonio Valencia’s foot problem, which required surgery, may have the Dutchman looking to recruit a winger to his ranks.

And after revealing his squad has been hit with more injuries ahead of West Ham’s visit to Old Trafford on Saturday , the United manager revealed he is “looking” at potential new recruits.

”The problem is when you see our injuries, they are always contact injuries and you cannot avoid that because football is a sport of direct resistance,” Van Gaal said.

”Shaw is directly injured, Rojo also, and Wayne also, so we have a lot of contact injuries and long-lasting injuries, that is our problem so we are looking (to sign players) but it is not so easy to buy and in January it’s more difficult. We are looking but it is not that it is for sure.’

“We are looking (at players for January) but as you know it is not so easy to buy players and in January it is more difficult. We are looking but it is not for sure.

“The week after next we have two weeks that we can have more recovery. I have already given the players two days off this week. I am giving them a lot of rest because I think it is necessary now, nevertheless we have six injuries most of which are contact injuries.

“You cannot avoid those because football is a sport with direct resistance. We are unlucky I have to say.”

Van Gaal conceded Ander Herrera and Phil Jones, who missed the last two games with hamstring and ankle injuries respectively, would not be fit for the visit of the Hammers on Saturday.

And with Wayne Rooney missing, the only good news for Van Gaal from the treatment room is that midfielder Jesse Lingard has overcome a hamstring injury and is fit to face Slaven Bilic’s side.