Manchester United coach Louis van Gaal has lamented the "unbelievable" nature of injuries he is having to manage, following the news that Wayne Rooney has been left out of his side's squad for their Premier League clash against Stoke City with a knee problem.

The Red Devils have so far had to deal with over 40 injuries since the Dutchman took charge at Old Trafford, with recent bad news seeing big-money summer signing Angel di Maria having to contend with a hamstring problem.

"I have to change my attack again. It's unbelievable. Di Maria can not play and Rooney can not play," said Van Gaal, according to the Daily Star.

"It's a big opportunity for [James] Wilson. I would have brought him on Saturday but he was ill. He has opportunity to show himself tonight."

United currently hold fourth position in the league table, having won three Premier League games in a row.