Louis van Gaal reveals extent of injuries to Phil Jones and Ander Herrera suffered during win over Watford

Louis van Gaal admitted the club were in a ‘lousy period’ after Manchester United picked up another two injuries during their 2-1 victory over Watford.

Ander Herrera and Phil Jones both limped off in the win which saw Memphis Depay end his goal drought before a goal at either end by Watford’s Troy Deeney ensured the three points returned to Old Trafford.

Herrera provided a superb cross for Depay's opening goal at Vicarage Road but lasted only 25 minutes, as a hamstring strain meant he had to be replaced by Marcos Rojo, while Phil Jones was also substituted after the he twisted his ankle.

Van Gaal confirmed the pair would miss Wednesday’s Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven.

United already have a lengthy list of absentees, including Wayne Rooney (illness), Anthony Martial (foot), Marouane Fellaini (calf), Michael Carrick (ankle), Antonio Valencia (foot) and Luke Shaw (leg). Van Gaal also said striker James Wilson has a swollen knee.

"We are in a lousy period because there are a lot of injuries," Van Gaal said.

"Jones and Herrera are not available for Wednesday. The first impression is they are not heavy injuries but we have to play Wednesday.

"Jones has a twisted ankle and Herrera maybe a hamstring injury. Rooney is ill and illness is a matter of days, not weeks.

"I do expect that he shall play Wednesday. He is at home. Tomorrow he comes and then I can say more.

"Martial has a foot problem. It is not so heavy as the media has written but you never know, we have to wait and see."

United's shortage of forward options offered an opportunity for Depay against Watford, who made his first league start since the 3-0 loss to Arsenal on October 4.

Depay's United career has been one of fits and starts since his £25million move in the summer and Van Gaal admitted this week he had expected more of the 21-year-old this season.

A lively display, however, was capped off by an excellent finish in the first half as Depay struck a sweet volley into the top corner to give United the lead.

"The goal was superb," Van Gaal said.

"A fantastic pass from Ander Herrera. He finished it very well. I think also the first half he played a very good game.

"The second half a little bit less, because he is six weeks out of the team and lacks some match rhythm so I can understand that.

"I think he played a very good match, like Jesse Lingard. The way we played, it suits them. That was good."