Louis van Gaal revealed that Michael Carrick will miss the next month after suffering a muscle rupture in his press conference ahead of Manchester United's match against Leicester City.
The midfielder will miss the match against the Foxes, but Ashley Young is nearing full fitness.
The manager also insisted that he will not be bringing in any new signing ahead of Monday's transfer deadline.
Read what else the Dutchman discussed below.
Good afternoon! Louis van Gaal will be speaking to the media shortly as Manchester United prepare to host Leicester City in the Premier League this weekend. The Dutchman will be hoping that his side can build on their 2-0 win over QPR two weeks ago, and avoid a repeat of the goalless draw that has left them facing a replay against Cambridge United in the FA Cup.
INJURY UPDATE! There's already some news from the manager as he's revealed to the club's TV channel that Michael Carrick is to miss four weeks with a muscle rupture, but Ashley Young is nearing a return to full fitness.
It's been pretty snowy in Manchester over the last couple of days. Marcos Rojo took time out from preparing for this weekend's match to build a snowman:
The 2-0 win over QPR earlier this month ended a run of three Premier League matches without a win for Man Utd. The team have a chance to go on another strong run in February, with matches against West Ham, Burnley, Swansea and Sunderland coming up.
Right, the manager is ready to talk, so let's see what Van Gaal has to say this week...
Van Gaal is asked about United's recent performances in front of goal, and he admits: "It's true that we have not created too many in the last two or three matches, but therefore I have changed system. We have to play more quickly because our opponents are defending and make a small space, so it's difficult then to attack. Everybody knows that but we also need a little bit of luck and we have to finish the chances."
The manager insists that he is not looking to make any signings before the end of the transfer window: "I read every day that I or United are interested in other players. We only have under contract now Victor Valdes. We gave him a chance. We are only selling players, not buying them."
In fact, Van Gaal says that he's not a fan of the January window: "I don't think it's favourable for the league because it's a little bit unfair. You start a league and then you change your team, the richer clubs can do that and it's not fair for others, but that's the rule and you can take benefit of it."
Darren Fletcher is expected to leave the club, and Van Gaal tells reporters: "He is at West Ham now I believe, so we will have to wait and see. He hasn't played many times and that's always the main goal of a player. We spoke about it and he prefers to play."
Van Gaal is asked what his team needs to change, and he says he wants to see more speed: "We have to play more quickly, with a high ball speed. Then, and only then, can you disorganise the opponent."
That's it from a pretty brief Van Gaal press conference this week. Make sure you join us again tomorrow afternoon to find out if United can avenge their defeat to Leicester from earlier this season. Until then, thanks for joining me this afternoon. Goodbye!
