Louis van Gaal 'to axe seven Manchester United players'

New Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is reportedly preparing to release seven Manchester United players in the next 48 hours.

The 62-year-old, whose reign at the Red Devils officially got underway yesterday, is said to have drawn up a list of names he intends to axe in the coming days.

Van Gaal is determined to hit the ground running after a disastrous campaign for United last season under the leadership of David Moyes, and is therefore keen to replace a lot of those who failed to make an impact last time out, according to the Daily Star.

The report claims that Anderson, Javier Hernandez, Wilfried Zaha, Nani, Tom Cleverley, Chris Smalling and Bebe could all be heading for the Old Trafford exit door this summer.

There are also said to be huge doubts over the futures of Darren Fletcher, Ashley Young and Rafael.

United will take on Los Angeles Galaxy a week today in their first pre-season match.