Louis van Gaal has spoken to the media ahead of his first Premier League match as Manchester United manager.
The Dutchman revealed that he will be without nine members of his squad for their match against Swansea City tomorrow lunchtime.
Read what else Van Gaal said below:
Good afternoon! It's been a busy day of managers' press conferences so far, and shortly will be one of the most anticipated, Louis van Gaal's first as Manchester United manager. The Dutchman takes charge of his first Premier League match tomorrow lunchtime when Swansea City visit Old Trafford.
Van Gaal has had a relatively smooth pre-season build-up. The club beat Premier League rivals Liverpool in the final of the International Champions Cup in America earlier this month, and have brought in the likes of Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera during the transfer window.
Van Gaal's arrival at the club could be helped by a relatively kind set of fixtures to start to season. It will be October 26th before Man Utd face a club that finished in the top four last year, by which time they will only have played one team that were above them in the table in the 2013-14 campaign.
In addition to talking about the match and the season ahead, Van Gaal is likely to be asked about his appointment of Wayne Rooney as the club's new permanent captain, having announced the move earlier this week. Darren Fletcher will be the team's vice-captain.
Right then, Van Gaal is ready to speak to the reporters at Carrington...
OUT! Van Gaal starts by confirming that there is "no chance" that Robin van Persie will be available for the match.
Also missing out are Sam Johnstone, Antonio Valencia, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Danny Welbeck, who are all carrying injuries.
Despite the absence of Luke Shaw, Van Gaal is confident that he will still be able to name a strong defence: "We played in the USA with Reece James and Ashley Young in that position. I'm not worried."
When asked about Wayne Rooney's appointment as captain, Van Gaal tells reporters: "His attitude, of course, I like him very much."
The former Netherlands coach confirms that he is confident in his squad: "I am not ready but my squad is ready. That's more important. I don't play football."
Incidentally, Van Persie's absence is not because of injury, he simply hasn't had time to train since returning form an extended break following the World Cup.
Despite having quite a few players on the sidelines for the opening match of the campaign, Van Gaal insists that he is "not nervous" as a result of the absences.
Van Gaal is asked what he thinks the his biggest challenge is at Old Trafford: "I think we can give pleasure to the fans, that is the most important thing."
Well after some short but to the point answers, that's it from Van Gaal. The new Man Utd boss certainly doesn't waste any time getting to the point during his press conferences. It is interest to note that he wasn't asked about the transfer market, something which most other managers have faced while speaking to reporters this week. However, the Dutchman seems pretty confident heading into his first competitive match as Man Utd boss.
So that's all from Manchester United's Carrington training ground for now, but join us again tomorrow lunchtime when Van Gaal's side will kick off the new Premier League season against Swansea City at Old Trafford. Until then, thanks for joining me this afternoon, goodbye.
