Phelan, who spent five years as Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-hand man at Old Trafford before leaving when David Moyes took over the reins in 2013, says the new regime under Louis van Gaal could be the reason for United’s injuries this term.

The 29-year-old ensured Louis van Gaal’s men recorded a fourth straight league victory with a remarkable goal line clearance in the dying moments against Stoke on Tuesday as United seek to pass third-placed Southampton this evening.

Not long into his first season in charge, Van Gaal’s United sit fourth in the Premier League after 12 games but are yet to replicate the performance levels of the side during Sir Alex’s 26-year reign.

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.

José Mourinho’s high-flying Blues will visit Old Trafford on Sunday in what promises to be a thrilling encounter

New United boss Louis van Gaal brought in an array of stars in the transfer window, including Daley Blind, Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao.

The Match of the Day presenter feels there is an abundance of young talent coming through that should look to compete in the Wembley showpiece.

Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw has revealed Louis van Gaal is an inspiration, after the youngster made his debut for the club at the weekend.

Gary Lineker thinks Manchester United’s newly-improved forward line will fire them back into the Champions League – but not to the Premier League title.

Englishman Shaw was signed from Southampton for £30million in June following his World Cup debut but has since been warned by both Louis van Gaal and national team coach Roy Hodgson about his fitness.