Southampton v Manchester United: Ronald Koeman to trust youth players due to injury crisis

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has claimed he is ready to give a chance to a number of under-21 players for the game against Manchester United on Monday 8 December to address the club's injury crisis.

The Dutch boss confirmed on Friday 5 December that Dusan Tadic is ready to return to action but Morgan Schneiderlin and Jack Cork are going to miss the game. Meanwhile, Belgium international Toby Alderweireld is a major doubt after sustained an injury during the defeat at Arsenal on Wednesday 3 December.

"Jack Cork will not play, he has injured ankle ligaments and could be out for six weeks. Morgan Schneiderlin is doing well but he is not fit for Monday," the manager said.

"Toby Alderweireld is a positive – not really a hamstring more a fatigue in his muscle. He's doubtful – maybe yes, maybe not. We have to wait until Monday, which is three days more, so that's the check-up.

With Jay Rodriguez, Sam Gallagher and James Ward-Prowse also on the sidelines, youngsters Jason McCarthy, Jake Hesketh and Ryan Seager have joined the squad for training in recent days and Koeman has claimed he is ready to give them a chance with the first team.

"That's one of the philosophies of the club. This gives young players a chance. On Saturday and Sunday, we will put some young ones in to have a good squad for the last two training sessions," the manager said to the club's official website.

"There is a possibility that we'll have more than one Under-21 player on the bench for this Monday."

After back-to-back defeats against Manchester City and Arsenal, Southampton hope to return to winning ways against Louis van Gaal's side, who have won their last four games.