Manchester United: Louis van Gaal could change winning formula for Manchester City clash

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has suggested he is ready to make changes to his starting line-up for the visit of Manchester City on 12 April.

Barring an enforced change that saw Marcos Rojo replace Chris Smalling in the 3-1 victory over Aston Villa, Van Gaal has opted for the same side in United's last three league games, producing what has been widely considered their best football of the season.

While Robin van Persie, who has returned to training after over a month on the sidelines, will not be ready to return for the Manchester derby, the United boss has hinted he may be ready to change the winning formula.

"'Never change a winning team' is an English expression but I always have my eyes open," he told MUTV. "It's also an obligation to the substitutes that you have to compare players. You have to see also the quality of your opponent and you make a decision with the staff I have."

One possible change could see Luke Shaw reintroduced to the first team. The former Southampton starlet has not played since he was substituted at half-time in the FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Arsenal on 9 March but Van Gaal says he will make a late decision on the youngster's fitness. Chris Smalling will also face a late fitness test having missed his side's last game through illness.

Meanwhile, Angel Di Maria will also be pushing for a return to the first team. Ashley Young has been preferred on the left-hand side of attack ever since the Argentine was sent off in the FA Cup defeat to Arsenal, but Di Maria has provided an assist in each of his last two games having come off the substitutes' bench.

"Not only Angel [is pushing for a place], but every player who is training in the first squad are pushing because they want to do their utmost," Van Gaal said.

"I played 11 vs 11 today and the team in white was very good - the white team was not the basic line-up, so they are pushing always and I like that. I said that to all of them, that I like the fighting spirit of every one of them."