Manchester United Sweating Over Fitness of Angel di Maria Ahead of Chelsea Visit

Manchester United face an anxious wait to discover the extent of the thigh injury which forced Angel di Maria off in the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion.

Di Maria was replaced by Ashley Young, one of three players to return from injury for the visit to The Hawthorns, after 76 minutes and had ice applied to his thigh during the remainder of the game.

The fitness of Di Maria will be assessed over the coming week before a decision is made over his fitness for the game against Chelsea. However the return of Young, Phil Jones and Ander Herrera from injury has given the 20-time English champions a timely boost ahead of a gruelling phase of the season.

Di Maria has enjoyed a storming start to life at United, scoring three goals and making four assists in six Premier League appearances. His absence for the visit of unbeaten leaders Chelsea this Sunday would be another blow to Louis van Gaal – who has endured an uncertain start to his Old Trafford tenure.

Marouane Fellaini and Daley Blind's first goals for United salvaged a point against West Brom on Monday night, cancelling out Stephane Sessegnon and Saido Berahino's efforts which twice put Alan Irvine's side in front.

The result leaves United 10 points adrift of Chelsea heading into the weekend clash against Jose Mourinho's men and Van Gaal insists his side must continue their improvement if they're to compete with the league leaders.

"We have to play against Chelsea and in the Netherlands they say 'that is another Kuche', or 'biscuit' as you say. By that I mean another level," he said after the West Brom game.

"You cannot compare, which I say with the greatest respect as it's fantastic to play here at The Hawthorns. The pitch is fantastic and West Bromwich Albion are also playing a positional game - not only long ball.

"I have great respect for West Bromwich Albion, but Chelsea are at another level and Manchester City are as well. We have to see if we can beat them and after the two matches I can say yes or no."