Ashley Young possibly out for 'many weeks', reveals Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal after draw with Stoke

Winger hurt during draw with Stoke City

Ashley Young comes off injured against Stoke (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United are not only counting the cost of a couple of dropped points after their 1-1 draw with Stoke, but also the possible absence of Ashley Young for "many weeks".

The winger limped off at the Britannia with a hamstring injury and manager Louis van Gaal is fearing the worst with his comment that Young could be out for many weeks, however he added: "I'm not a doctor so we have to wait for tomorrow or the day after."

The loss of Young will be a blow with the former Aston Villa player showing he has adapted particularly well to Van Gaal's methods and been among United's better players in their run of 10 matches unbeaten.

The Dutchman admitted his side "had difficulties defending long balls" in an awkward swirling wind.

Jonny Evans was particularly thankful to see former team-mate Mame Biram Diouf miss a clear chance after the Northern Ireland international misjudged a long ball.

"It was scrappy, hard to judge the ball with the wind, but that's the challenge for us," said Evans.

"(Diouf) made a bit of a mess of it and I'm thankful for that."

Stoke boss Mark Hughes was frustrated by not just a strong handball appeal in the penalty area against Chris Smalling, but another penalty shout after Crouch's header against the woodwork.

"We've had two penalties not given," he said. "The obvious one was when Crouch headed towards goal and Smalling basically batted the ball down.

"Then when Crouch hits the post, you see Geoff Cameron waiting to put the ball in and he gets taken out."

He said of his side's overall performance: "Tactically we were spot-on, they found it very difficult to get their key players on the ball.

"I'm disappointed but pleased we've got more points on the board and a good performance once again."

Hughes also insisted there is "nothing" in reports linking Crouch with West Brom and former coach Tony Pulis, adding: "Peter's a big part of what we do here."

And he revealed playmaker Bojan will be out for another "10 days to a couple of weeks" with a hamstring problem.