Manchester United central defender Chris Smalling has definiotely been ruled out of tomorrow’s clash against the Hammers at Old Trafford.

The club have announced his absence on the club’s official website and their defensive woes include injuries to Phil Jones and Jonny Evans with Tyler Blackett suspended from last week’s sending-off at Leicester City.

Manager Louis van Gaal said: ”Smalling came out of yesterday’s training session because he had stiff legs. I won’t take risks with players – they have to be fit.

“Jonny Evans’ bone is bruised a lot and we have to wait and see how it goes. I have nine injuries now and one player suspended with Blackett. All three of my right-sided centre-halves are out, so I will have to go to the youth education [system] and pick players from there.”

The club’s Under-21 captain Tom Thorpe could be given an opportunity in the first-team as a result of the injury crisis.