Van Gaal said he did not know whether captain Wayne Rooney will be fit to return from his knee injury after the international break.
But the United manager’s selection problems pale in comparison to those troubling his City counterpart Manuel Pellegrini, who lost winger Raheem Sterling to a groin problem and goalkeeper Joe Hart to a calf injury.
Pellegrini estimated that both would be out for “three or four weeks”, which would rule them out of England’s forthcoming friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands and potentially next month’s two-legged Champions League quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain as well.
City’s fourth defeat in six league games, and ninth in total, left them 15 points behind leaders Leicester City and they now have both United and West Ham United on their tail.
Pellegrini dismissed the suggestion that with Pep Guardiola’s arrival as his replacement now public knowledge, he has lost the ability to motivate his players.
“I don’t think I lose any control,” he said. “The attitude of the team today (Sunday) reflects that they are all involved with what we want to do.
“Of course it’s not the best way to finish the season, but I am happy with the attitude.”
He showed a flash of annoyance when he was asked why City’s current points tally – 51 – is so much lower than at the same stage of previous campaigns.
“Every season is different,” the Chilean told his inquisitor, who he accused of a “lack of respect”.
“I think we are talking in this press conference about the game we played against Manchester United. I can’t explain. Finished.
“If you have a (question) about the game, I answer you. If not, I don’t answer. You have all the right to ask what you want, I have all my right to answer what I want.”
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