Ashley Young could face lengthy lay-off says Van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed Ashley Young could be out for "many weeks" after he limped off with a hamstring injury in the latter stages of United's 1-1 draw at Stoke City.

But while the prognosis doesn’t look good for the converted wing-back, Van Gaal added: “I’m not a doctor so we have to wait for tomorrow or the day after.”

The Dutchman admitted his side “had difficulties defending long balls” in an awkward swirling wind.

Jonny Evans was particularly thankful to see former team-mate Mame Biram Diouf miss a clear chance after the Northern Ireland international misjudged a long ball.

“It was scrappy, hard to judge the ball with the wind, but that’s the challenge for us,” said Evans.

“(Diouf) made a bit of a mess of it and I’m thankful for that.”

Stoke boss Mark Hughes was frustrated by not just the handball appeal, but another penalty shout after Crouch's header against the woodwork.

“We’ve had two penalties not given,” he said. “The obvious one was when Crouch headed towards goal and Smalling basically batted the ball down.

“Then when Crouch hits the post, you see Geoff Cameron waiting to put the ball in and he gets taken out.”

He said of his side’s overall performance: “Tactically we were spot-on, they found it very difficult to get their key players on the ball.

“I’m disappointed but pleased we’ve got more points on the board and a good performance once again.”

Hughes also insisted there is "nothing" in reports linking Crouch with West Brom and former coach Tony Pulis, adding: "Peter's a big part of what we do here."

And he revealed playmaker Bojan will be out for another “10 days to a couple of weeks” with a hamstring problem.