United’s first away triumph of the season at Arsenal on Saturday was more due to a profligate showing from Arsene Wenger’s men than any scintillating brilliance from Van Gaal or his charges, and the Dutchman must be counting down the days until the January transfer window swings open.

Smalling marshalled an inexperienced backline including rookies, Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett as Louis van Gaal’s side recorded their first away victory of the season.

United currently sit in fourth place in the Premier League after scraping a 2-1 win over Arsenal at The Emirates on Saturday evening.

Les Parry, who won the Medical & Sports Science Professional crown at the North West Football Awards on Tuesday, is convinced United’s academy will continue to produce talented youngsters.

Welbeck, who came through the prestigious youth ranks at Old Trafford, moved to The Emirates in a £16million deal on deadline day in the last transfer window and has so far bagged five goals for Arsenal.

Ex-Manchester United first-team coach Mike Phelan has joined Championship outfit Norwich City in the same role.

The club spent just over £150million in the summer window to recruit star names including World Cup runners-up Angel Di Maria and Marcos Rojo.

Rooney marked his 100th international appearance with a goal in Saturday’s 3-1 Euro 2016 qualifier win against Slovenia at Wembley, his 44th for the Three Lions.

Super-sub Mata notched the only goal as Louis van Gaal’s Reds ran out 1-0 winners over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Manchester City have suffered a stuttering start to Manuel Pellegrini’s second season in charge but MM believe he has to be given the time to turn the club’s fortunes around in the Premier and Champions Leagues.

Louis van Gaal is growing increasingly frustrated as Manchester United’s injury problems show no sign of subsiding ahead of their fixture with Crystal Palace on Saturday.