Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal explained the absences of Angel di Maria and Robin van Persie for victory at Crystal Palace.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of kick-off, van Gaal was asked about a troublesome virus.

"The manager has been a little bit touched, but also van Persie has been touched by it," the boss confirmed. "Wilson [had it] last week as well.

"But a lot of players have had problems, and also members of staff. It is not easy to make a line-up, but it is always the same in football. As a manager, you have to pick your line-up. You see and observe the training sessions, and then you decide."