Man United injury crisis! Louis van Gaal forced to play reserves against Swansea

Louis van Gaal is without nine first-team players for their clash with Swansea[GETTY]

But he has come out fighting by saying it has not shaken his confidence that Manchester United will make a fleeting start to his reign as administrator.

Ahead of today’s Premier League clash with Swansea at Ancient Trafford Van Gaal said: “I am very confident. Nine players injured and I am not nervous or worried. We have beaten all our opponents in pre-season, but today’s game is the most vital.”

Michael Carrick, Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Jonny Evans, Danny Welbeck, Anderson, Nick Powell and set aside keeper Sam Johnstone are all injured, while Robin van Persie will not be risked after his late restore to pre-season following the World Cup.

Rafael Da Silva trained yesterday after returning from the US tour early with a hamstring injury, but remains a doubt.

Blackett and James, who impressed Van Gaal in pre-season, will play at left centre back and left wing back respectively.

Van Gaal has also hit back at fans’ concern over a lack of transfer activity saying he can sign anyone “within 24 hours” if he wants.

Fans are concerned at United’s failure to add any more new signings since Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw were bought within 24 hours of each other in late June.

Moves for Marcos Rojo, Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind and Mats Hummels have yet to materialise, but Van Gaal remains bullish about United’s prospects.

Tyler Blackett, 20, could earn his competitive debut for United [GETTY]

He says United’s lack of transfer activity is partly down to his desire to assess all the players he inherited from his predecessor David Moyes before pitching into the transfer market.

“I have said several times I want to assess my team,” added Van Gaal.

“I can only judge them when I am the coach and I see how they perform under my philosophy.

“That’s what I am doing, not only with the players who have trained and played football on tour in the USA, but also the other players who didn’t come with us. I gave these players the chance of two weeks. I think that is honest.

“We have to wait and see who to buy because you can buy a player in 24 hours, believe me. That is not a problem.”