Man United facing striker shortage as EPL resumes

MANCHESTER (AP):

Manchester United are facing a striker crisis for their English Premier League game against Watford today, with Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial, and back-up Marouane Fellaini ruled out.

Martial hurt his foot on international duty for France against England on Tuesday, while Rooney is ill, and Fellaini a midfielder often used as an emergency striker by United manager Louis van Gaal has a calf problem. To make matters worse, Van Gaal said yesterday the only other striker in United's squad, youngster James Wilson, is lacking fitness and cannot play a whole match.

Van Gaal has been widely criticised for United's lacklustre forward play this season.

They are fourth in the league heading into the Watford game.