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Ander Herrera will make his first Manchester United start of the season in midfield against Club Brugge tonight.

The Basque midfielder has made two substitute appearances so far this season and his omission from the starting line-up has baffled supporters.

One of the most popular players amongst Reds, Herrera scored eight goals in 22 starts last season, having made just one Premier League start during a four-month period.

Van Gaal yesterday assured Herrera and other fringe players they would get plenty of game time during a more congested campaign.

"We shall need every player because the Premier League demands so much, so I have to rotate," he said at his pre-match press conference.

Marouane Fellaini is also in line for a return to the starting XI, with compatriot Adnan Januzaj expected to make way.

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Januzaj started in United's last three matches but was substituted in each of them, and Fellaini's goalscoring impact in his 10-minute display against Brugge last week could lead to Van Gaal restoring him to the side.

During United's nine-a-side practice match at the Jan Bruydel Stadium on Tuesday night, it is understood Fellaini played a free role and supplemented the attack of whichever side was in possession, which suggested he would start behind Wayne Rooney.