The 20-times English league champions have so far struggled in the top flight this season, notching a solitary point from two games on Sunday against Sunderland.

Media reports on Friday suggested the 23-year-old was heading for the Old Trafford exit door, with captain Wayne Rooney and fit again Robin van Persie set for the starting line-up against Sunderland on Sunday although manager Van Gaal has problems with a depleted midfield.

Chris Kamara says predicting the winner of the Premier League this season is incredibly difficult with several sides – including a rejuvenated Man Utd – in the hunt.

Rooney scored five goals in five games on United’s tour of the USA, as they defeated Liverpool 3-1 in the International Champions Cup final to cap a fine first fortnight under Van Gaal.

The Dutchman has overseen a successful pre-season tour, tracking up wins against Los Angeles Galaxy, Roma, Inter Milan and Real Madrid

With a new regime in place at Old Trafford, now is the time for Van Gaal to copy Mata’s old boss Rafael Benitez, at former club Chelsea, and play him behind likely starting duo Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.

Dutch dynamo Robin van Persie was sold for £24million from the north London club to their great rivals United in 2012 and Van Persie promptly racked up 30 goals to propel the Old Trafford outfit to a record 20th league title.

Louis van Gaal revealed that his appointment as Manchester United’s new manager has got the seal of approval from legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The fiery Dutchman will start his new role as United boss on Wednesday after deciding against taking a post-World Cup break to take charge in time for United’s pre-season tour of America.

Van Persie believes his young Dutch teammates Memphis Depay and Jordy Clasie will bring the team glory days in the future.

The 26-year-old, nicknamed ‘Little Pea’ and who was officially the fastest player at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, scored his country’s final goal in a 3-1 defeat of Croatia to secure a place in the last 16.