Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is facing an injury crisis ahead of the game against West Ham United after admitting he only has one fit central defender.

Jonny Evans is the latest player to have picked up an injury after suffering a bruised ankle during the 5-3 defeat against Leicester last Sunday.

Chris Smalling picked up an injury in training on Wednesday and could sit out the Hammers clash, while Phil Jones remains on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.

Throw in Tyler Blackett, who is suspended, and it is easy to see why Van Gaal has concerns ahead of the Hammers game.

“All the three right-sided centre-halves are out,” he said. “I don’t know how long they will be out for.

“Evans is a very difficult one. His bone is bruised a lot and we have to wait and see, to evaluate it.

“Smalling yesterday ran out of the training session because he had stiff legs. We have to see what that means. But I don’t take risks with players.”

Van Gaal has managed to win just one of his opening six matches and will now be forced to play someone out of position against Sam Allardyce’s side.

Midfielders Daley Blind or Darren Fletcher could drop back while 19-year-old Paddy McNair could be handed his debut.

Despite having problems in defence, United are still 1.35 favourites to win while West Ham are 7.30 and the draw is 5.20.