Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney to miss Arsenal game says Louis van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed captain Wayne Rooney and Luke Shaw will miss the Premier League game against Arsenal due to injuries but Angel Di Maria and Robin van Persie are ready to return to action.

United host the Gunners on 17 May in a key game that could make a big impact on who finishes third in the league.

Following Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's defeat against Swansea on 11 May, the Gunners are just two points above United, although they have still a game in hand.

Van Gaal has revealed the Premier League giants will face the big challenge without Rooney and Shaw after the duo picked up injuries during the 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on 9 May.

The Dutch boss was already forced to replace the left-back with Jonny Evans in the 40th minute of the game against Alan Pardew's side, while Radamel Falcao came on for the captain at half-time.

Asked about Rooney and Shaw, he said: "The situation is not positive for us, they cannot play, neither of them.

"Yes it is a short-term thing, we have only one match to play, so I think it will be difficult for them to play again this season."

However, the manager has confirmed Di Maria and Van Persie are ready to return to action after missing the visit to Selhurst Park, while Marcos Rojo, who has been on the sidelines for the last four games due to injury, may also be available to play.

He said: "Angel Di Maria and Robin van Persie are able to play. Rojo has trained this week with us, he could play."

Meanwhile, the Dutch manager has hailed the importance of finishing above the Gunners in order to secure automatic qualification to the Champions League and avoid the play-offs.

Van Gaal said: "We want to be third – it's still possible. We can put pressure on Arsenal on Sunday. I want to thank the fans with a victory."