Manchester United striker Robin van Persie remains out for Newcastle United trip

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is the only absentee from Louis van Gaal's squad for the Premier League trip to Newcastle United but Michael Carrick is unavailable to start despite returning to full fitness.

Van Persie missed the 2-0 win over Sunderland with an ankle issue, while Carrick has recovered from a muscle rupture that saw him named on the bench against the Black Cats, but he is not in contention to feature from the start.

"It is difficult to say as, in every training session, you can be injured or the fatigue specialist can say he is not fit enough to play a game," said Van Gaal. "And then I have to decide not to use that player. So it's always difficult to say but the only injured player is Van Persie. It is too quick to say anything about that [a length of absence]."

The former Netherlands coach added: "I think it is too early for Michael Carrick. He trained now in three training sessions with us. Because of the three players I didn't bring with us [against Sunderland], he was in the 18 and I took a risk with that.

"As a substitute, you can play 20 minutes, which he can do. He has the experience so I can make an exception. He is also a captain, so I can make an exception but it is not often I do that."

Phil Jones, Victor Valdes and Luke Shaw, who were all omitted from United's win over Sunderland, have all recovered from respectively hamstring injuries and illness and are in contention for the visit of John Carver's side.

One player not certain of his place is Angel Di Maria, who was withdrawn at half-time on 28 February and replaced by Adnan Januzaj following a disappointing run of form in his maiden season at United.

Much was expected of the British record signing since he joined from Real Madrid but Van Gaal is unwilling to put undue pressure on the Argentina international and says all of his new signings have endured a tough first season.

"I think it counts for all the players that we have bought, the first season is always difficult," the United boss said. "We have to give him time, not just Di Maria but all the players. We wait and see.

"It is dependable, you have to manage so many aspects. Not just the game, but the culture. The general answer is one year but you can't give a general answer."