Louis van Gaal is unlikely to rush back Phil Jones for the Capital One Cup tie against Ipswich at Old Trafford on Wednesday because he is still recovering match-fitness following mild thrombosis.
Jones has not played this season after the condition was discovered just before United’s opening-day victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The central defender was expected to miss three weeks but has been out for more than a month and a half.
Van Gaal said: “Friday was his first training session with the group so it’s nearly done but he’s not match fit. It’s very early.”
Luke Shaw has a broken leg that will rule him out for at least six months. This meant Van Gaal had to change his defence for the first time this season for Sunday’s 3-2 victory at Southampton. Marcos Rojo was selected in Shaw’s left-back position but both he and Matteo Darmian, the right-back, were substituted as the Saints became the first side this year to score twice against United. The win moved United into second place in the Premier League on 13 points, two behind Manchester City.
