Manchester United vs. Southampton: Key Takeaways from Louis van Gaal's Presser

Louis van Gaal bemoaned the lack of available full-backs in the transfer market as he revealed that Manchester United are looking to make additions in January.

Speaking ahead of the Red Devils' Saturday clash with Southampton at Old Trafford, the Dutchman confirmed that makeshift full-back Ashley Young is now set to be sidelined for "a long time" with a groin injury, per United's Twitter account. He's joined Luke Shaw, Marcus Rojo, Phil Jones and Antonio Valencia as defensive absentees.

As a result, Van Gaal said the club are looking for reinforcements, but it is clearly proving a challenge, per football writer Chris Winterburn: "When you see our luck with the full-backs this season. Only [Matteo] Darmian is fit. I need full-backs. We are looking for a level but clubs don't want to sell. It is difficult. You think it is so easy."

There have been recent reports suggesting Van Gaal may retire at the end of the season—a year earlier than expected—after feeling the pressure as United have underperformed in 2015-16, per David McDonnell in the Mirror.

The 64-year-old neither confirmed nor denied the reports, but he insisted his relationship with his players remains intact, per Jim Daly in the Mirror: "This is not the business of the press. First you have sacked me and now you are interfering in my future. I have a relationship with the players and that is the most important thing. What is happening in the media is a different world."

The pressure has eased somewhat on Van Gaal recently, as United's snatched 1-0 win at Liverpool last time out improved their record in 2016 to three victories and a draw.

However, the manager insisted that anything other than a win against Saints would see the pressure return again, per Winterburn:

The last time the Red Devils met Southampton they claimed a 3-2 win at St. Mary's Stadium.

But United will be well aware of the threat of Ronald Koeman's side, having gone down 1-0 in last season's corresponding fixture at Old Trafford.

Captain Wayne Rooney will be essential if United are to prevail on Saturday, with Van Gaal praising the striker's recent return to form—he has netted five goals in the last four matches—per the club's Twitter feed:

Adnan Januzaj could get a run-out against Saints for the first time since returning from his Borussia Dortmund loan, but Van Gaal said that Bastian Schweinsteiger would not be available, per ESPN FC's Ben Dinnery:

Despite their string of injuries, United should still be favourites to overcome Southampton at Old Trafford.

Koeman's men have won their last two matches, but Van Gaal still has more quality to call on.

As he notes, the pressure will be back on him and his side should United not win, but three points on Saturday could see the Red Devils back into the top four.