Louis van Gaal: 'Ander Herrera will return this week'

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that Ander Herrera could return to action later this week.

Herrera has not started a game since early December due to injury, but the latest update is good news for Van Gaal, who has also been without Angel Di Maria, Marouane Fellaini and Daley Blind in recent weeks.

However, the Spaniard could be included in the squad to face Stoke City on New Year's Day when United will look to stretch their unbeaten run to 10 games.

"Ander will be coming back this week," Van Gaal told MUTV after Sunday's 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

United follow the match against Stoke with a trip to face Yeovil Town in the FA Cup on Saturday.