Manchester United injury news: Louis van Gaal missing first-team players for Sunderland match

A look at the Old Trafford injury list

Van Gaal with his captain Wayne Rooney (Getty)

Manchester United take on Sunderland this weekend with an opportunity to close the gap on the sides in the top four.

Louis van Gaal's side play in the early kick-off on Saturday meaning victory could close the gap on fourth place Manchester City to just three points. The top four are then all playing each other on Sunday, making it a certainty that points will be dropped by those currently occupying the Champions League qualification places.

It will be an opportunity United don't want to miss, but if they are to overcome the home side at the Stadium of Light they must do so without a few first-team players. A number of long-term injuries continue to plague the club while other options are in doubt.

Here, we take a look at the Manchester United who could be absent from Saturday's game with Sunderland...

On their last outings Manchester United drew 1-1 with Chelsea while Sunderland drew 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield .

Manchester United vs Sunderland is at 12.45pm on Saturday.