Manchester United injury news: LVG confirms Jesse Lingard and Paddy McNair join growing injury list

Louis van Gaal has confirmed Jesse Lingard and Paddy McNair picked up injuries during Manchester United's 2-1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth at Dean Court on 12 December. The winger was replaced in the first half with a suspected hamstring problem, while Phil Jones came on as a late substitute for the Northern Ireland international in the final minutes of the match.

Lingard was handed a first team debut by the Dutchman in his first competitive game as Red Devils manager against Swansea City last season. He returned to the first team after over a year against Everton in October and since then has been a regular inclusion in the starting XI in all competitions. The 22-year-old winger will be assessed to determine the damage done due to the injury.

"With Lingard, it is a second occurrence in a short space of time so we will have to see. McNair had cramp, he hasn't played much this season," Van Gaal told United's official website.

Jones' return will be a welcome boost for Van Gaal and United as he can play alongside Daley Blind in the heart of the back four, especially in the absence of Chris Smalling, who has been in fine form for the Old Trafford club this term. In addition to this, Morgan Schneiderlin was on the bench during his side's defeat to Bournemouth.

Lingard and McNair join midfielder Ander Herrera, captain Wayne Rooney, defenders Matteo Darmian, Smalling and Marcos Rojo, along with long-term absentees Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia in the club's treatment room.

Darmian and Smalling suffered injury blows during their Champions League defeat to Wolfsburg. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager is hoping for the defensive duo, along with Herrera, to return to action before Christmas.

Bastian Schweinsteiger is serving his three match ban after he appeared to elbow West Ham United's Winston Reid during United's goalless draw at home. He will miss Red Devils' clash against Norwich City and Stoke City, leaving Van Gaal with Michael Carrick, Schneiderli and Marouane Fellaini as the only three midfielders in the squad.

United are without a win in the last five matches played in all competitions, which also includes an exit from the Champions League following the loss to Wolfsburg. The Express claims the growing injury list and poor results in recent times has mounted pressure on Van Gaal.