Manchester United injury news: Matteo Darmian suspended, Morgan Schneiderlin could return

Long-term absentees Luke Shaw and Paddy McNair are still unavailable

(Getty Images)

Matteo Darmian is unavailable for Manchester United after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Crystal Palace last weekend, while Antonio Valencia is a doubt with a foot problem.

That means, despite being castigated for his dive against CSKA Moscow in midweek, Ashley Young is expected to start as a makeshift right-back against West Bromwich Albion.

Morgan Schneiderlin, who missed the Champions League clash with an illness, is expected to return on Saturday but Louis van Gaal may opt to stick with a central midfield pairing of Bastian Scheweinsteiger and Michael Carrick.

One of the stand-out performers during Wednesday night’s win was Jesse Lingard, who showed pace and invention on United’s right-hand side. He may be replaced in the line-up by Juan Mata

Van Gaal’s biggest selection issue comes up front, where he will have to decide whether to persist with Wayne Rooney or give into demands to hand Anthony Martial a central role.

If the Dutchman’s recent interviews are anything to go by, however, his mind is already made up and the captain’s place is not under immediate threat.

Two long-term absentees, Luke Shaw and Paddy McNair, are both unavailable for the visit of Tony Pulis’ side.

The young left-back is, however, on the mend and was pictured at the club's Christmas party on Wednesday night moving freely without crutches.