Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says Juan Mata and Paddy McNair will start today against Everton.
Van Gaal is hoping the injury situation clears up over the international break but is looking forward to seeing how his side performs against the Merseysiders at Old Trafford.
"Juan Mata has played very well in his [Rooney's] position," stated van Gaal at the pre-match press conference. "I have to choose. I will miss Wayne because he is the captain of the team but Mata can also play very well.
"We still have three central defenders injured so he [McNair] shall play. He is the only player who can play in the right-sided defensive position. I chose him last week and he was very good. It's difficult for a player like him to maintain that level - that is his biggest challenge.
"We have eight injuries and one red card so nine players are not available. It's difficult to explain. You can be fit but not match fit - that's a big difference. For example, Ander Herrera is fit but he cannot play because of his rib pressure. Marouane Fellaini has trained for one week but is not fit to play 90 minutes."
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