Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has claimed that he needs to call on youth players due to the ongoing injury problems at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman has confirmed that defenders Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are all out of Saturday's match against West Ham United at Old Trafford.

Tyler Blackett will also be unavailable for the Red Devils after getting sent off during United's 5-3 defeat to Leicester City last Sunday.

"I won't take risks with players, they have to be fit," Van Gaal told reporters. "We have nine injuries now and Blackett is suspended so I have to go to the youth education and pick players. There are vacancies. The younger players can have their chances now."

United have won just one out of five matches in the Premier League so far this season.