Louis Van Gaal has spoken in his pre-match conference about the injury crisis that has plagued his Manchester United side ahead of their clash with league leaders Chelsea.
The Dutchman confirmed that; Michael Carrick, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Daley Blind will all be out of the trip to Stamford Bridge.
He said: "Carrick is injured, he cannot play,
“But not only Michael Carrick - Daley Blind, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo cannot play. It cannot be worse because it's two players in the left central defensive positions, and Jonny Evans is still suspended. Blind and Carrick play in the holding position in midfield, so I have to change my line-up a lot against Chelsea."
On the brighter note Luke Shaw is fit to play for the first time since the FA Cup tie with Arsenal, Van Gaal also hinted that striker Robin Van Persie may feature.
"Shaw has trained for a lot of weeks already so he can play. Van Persie is another story. This is the first week he's trained with the first team, but maybe we have to think about him." Said Van Gaal.
Despite the injuries to key players went on to mention his desire to close the gap on their rivals.
He said: "The challenge is bigger than big,
"Firstly, Manchester United has not given the best results in away games and, secondly, Chelsea do not lose so much at home. So it will be very difficult.
"Chelsea play at home but I think they will be satisfied with a draw. However, of course they want to beat Manchester United and we want to beat them."
Van Gaal also explained that it is trophies and titles that matter most to him, and Mourinho is no different.
"I think he has said that and I have said this also that 'we live for these titles'," stated the boss. "We are doing it for that. That's the only satisfaction - that you have a title. If you are second or third, you can still play Champions League but it is the title that is more fixed for you.
"It comes with your name and that is why managers are fixated on titles. When you reach that goal, you are happy. To be involved with the game, to be involved with young people to reach the goal is another goal of mine. That's why I am still a manager because I don't have to work anymore.