Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Wayne Rooney could make his first appearance this weekend since November, according to Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal.
The England captain has not featured since the 1-1 draw with Leicester City on 28 November because of an ankle injury, but Van Gaal confirmed that Rooney had been back in full training this week.
"Three or four players are coming back," Van Gaal said.
"They have trained a full week - Rooney has, for example. It is possible he can play, but we have to wait and see."
Rooney's next appearance will be his 500th as a United player.
He has only scored once for the club since October, and Van Gaal added: "I hope when he plays he scores a goal, because it is a big day for him."
Van Gaal also revealed that defender Chris Smalling and midfielder Ander Herrera, recently sidelined by groin and hamstring problems respectively, have trained all week ahead of the Norwich match.
However, United are still struggling with a number of injuries. Jesse Lingard was injured in the Bournemouth defeat and will not be available against Norwich City, while Matteo Darmian, Marcos Rojo, Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw are all missing because of injury.
Bastian Schweinsteiger is also set to miss the game because of suspension while Ashley Young, reported to be unhappy at being left out in recent weeks, is also a doubt because of a knock.
There have been reports of unrest within the United camp over results and the style the team are playing under Van Gaal.
But when asked if the chemistry between him and his players was fine, Van Gaal said: "Yes, it's fine - but I've said that already more than once.
"I have seen articles that it's not like that. It's a bit crazy I think, but that is this world."
Van Gaal is confident that he has the backing of the players and club's hierarchy, although knows United need to start winning quickly, saying too many losses "for me it's the end of the world."
The Dutchman - whose side are out of the Champions League and six points behind leaders Leicester in the Premier League - said: "I have the full confidence of my board and my players, I feel.
"But we have to get results. We have to win, and we know that - the players know it, I know it and my staff know it.
"We have to win because when you lose too much, also for me it's the end of the world."
United have drawn four of their last six home games 0-0 and some United fans have been voicing their frustration at matches with boos and shouts of "attack, attack, attack".
Asked about that disgruntlement and whether he felt the supporters were still with him, Van Gaal said: "It's always like that when you lose.
"The board of directors can see what you can do as a manger in practice but the fans cannot see that, so when you lose you need the belief of the fans, and that is a question for the fans not the manager to answer."
Additional reporting from PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments