Louis van Gaal fears a virus sweeping through the Manchester United squad could damage his side’s hopes of sealing their place in the Champions League.
With just three games remaining in fourth placed United’s Premier League campaign, a victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday combined with a defeat for fifth placed Liverpool at champions Chelsea on Sunday would guarantee their return to Europe’s elite club competition after a one-year absence.
However, United, who currently hold a four point advantage over Liverpool, have lost their last three games against Chelsea, Everton and West Bromwich Albion.
And to make matters worse, they have been hit by an outbreak of illness at the club’s training ground this week, leading boss van Gaal to voice his concern that it could affect them at Selhurst Park this weekend.
“We have a virus in our dressing room,” said van Gaal, who has also seen England midfielder Michael Carrick ruled out for the rest of the season with a calf injury.
“I have a little bit of pain in the throat. (James) Wilson also has had that for one week but is recovering now. Maybe he can be on the bench (at Palace).
“A lot of players are suffering (from it).”
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Van Gaal could do with a favour from Chelsea, but after being crowned champions last weekend their players were given three days off by Blues boss Jose Mourinho, prompting suggestions they would be less than fully focused against Liverpool.
United’s Dutch coach played down those fears, saying: “That (the extra time off) is the privilege of every manager when you are champion.
“I gave my players one day off more (than usual) but for another reason to what Jose Mourinho did.
“I think that Jose Mourinho can decide that and that his team shall play and do their utmost best (against Liverpool), I think.”
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