Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says Angel di Maria could play against Aston Villa.

The Reds winger has been missing since limping off at the end of last month in the win over Hull, but Van Gaal told reporters on Friday that the Argentinian has made positive steps this week.

"Angel has trained this week with us," the boss said. "It's always dependable on how I have to compare with other players because he's not match fit after one week. What I've said about [Robin] van Persie and Falcao, I say also for Di Maria - it is no different.

"It is a procedure and he has to follow the procedure. Maybe I shall select him for the bench, or maybe not. I have to make my decision because we have one session to go."