Good afternoon and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of Louis van Gaal's press conference ahead of Manchester United's Premier League match against Southampton.
The Dutchman's side head to St Mary's on Monday evening sitting just a point behind their opponents.
United come into this match in strong form, having won their last four matches.
The manager is due to speak to reporters at 4.30pm.
Good afternoon! Van Gaal will be speaking to the media shortly as he prepares his side for a match against third-placed Southampton. If United can get the win, they'll climb above the Saints in the table.
INJURY NEWS! The club have just announced, ahead of Van Gaal's press conference, that club captain Wayne Rooney will be fit for the match, but Angel di Maria misses out with a hamstring injury.
Goals from Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata saw United to a 2-1 win over Stoke City earlier this week, leaving them with four straight wins.
The #mufc players have been working hard at the Aon Training Complex ahead of Monday's game vs Southampton... pic.twitter.com/yoyrOUTdz9
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 5, 2014
After this fixture, United will host bitter rivals Liverpool before travelling to Aston Villa for their final match before Christmas.
As with all Premier League matches, we'll have live coverage from an hour before kickoff. We'll also have loads of reaction, player ratings and half time and full time updates, so make sure you're with us on Monday evening.
Right then, here's the manager, so let's see what he has to say...
In addition to Rooney's return, Van Gaal reveals that Jonny Evans is fit again, while Phil Jones is close to making his comeback.
It's been in the news today that Van Gaal will be able to spend what he wants in January. However the manager says: "I think it is disgusting always, writing about numbers. I don't think that Ed Woodward said anything about it, I don't think I have. I think it's disrespectful to my players. I don't talk about it. I believe in the players. That is my answer."
Southampton have used the least players in their starting lineups in the Premier League so far this season. Van Gaal says: "I've read it also in the media. But do you know how much players we've lost. We have lost more players, I'm sorry. Ronald Koeman is a very good coach so I know he can do it. It is very good."
Back on the subject of players coming and going, Van Gaal admits that he thinks Man Utd are charged over the odds: "Clubs ask more money from Manchester United. Do you think Southampton pay more money? No, because it's Southampton."
Van Gaal is asked if he thinks Southampton can challenge for a Champions League spot. He replies: "I think they have a very good squad, some of whom I know. I think they are able to come in the first four, but that's also because I believe in the management, in Ronald Koeman. I believe the cohesion is good, and he can manage."
Van Gaal is asked about Jesse Lingard, who has been out injured. He confirms that the youngster's recovery has been quicker than expected, which has been pleasing.
That's all from Van Gaal for now, so come back on Monday to find out if United can make it five wins in a row. Until then, thanks for joining me this afternoon. Goodbye.
Written by
Sian Cowper
Sian Cowper
