Wayne Rooney has become the 43rd Manchester United injury or illness of the season after Louis van Gaal revealed he had to leave him out of Tuesday evening’s encounter with Stoke City at Old Trafford.
Rooney suffered knocks to a calf and knee during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Hull City. Although the striker assured the manager afterwards he would be able to play against Stoke, this proved optimistic.
Van Gaal said: “I had to change my attack again so its unbelievable – it’s the truth. [Ángel] Di María cannot play and Rooney cannot play.”
James Wilson’s inclusion in the XI means he starts a second Premier League match for United in what will be a seventh appearance this term under Van Gaal.
“Yes of course a big opportunity,” the manager said. “I would have brought him already on Saturday but he was ill. He has the opportunity to show himself tonight.”
