Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has admitted that it will be very hard to find a player in the January transfer window that will make a dramatic improvement to his squad.

Van Gaal will be looking for replacements after several of his first-team players have been ruled out with injuries.

United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward insists that the Red Devils will not be making any significant signings in January, which has been backed by Van Gaal.

"I don't think that he has said he should not buy. I think he has said that in January it's very difficult to buy players who are good enough for the quality of Manchester United and because of that we are not buying and I agree with that," the 63-year-old told reporters.

"When you buy it has to be a player better than you have in your squad and it shall be very difficult to find such a player in January.

"So that is what he wanted to say I believe and believe we are speaking the same language."

Daley Blind is the latest United casualty, as the midfielder is suspected to be out for six weeks with a knee injury.