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Louis van Gaal has baulked at suggestions Manchester United must bolster their defence in the January transfer window.

Manager Van Gaal claimed United have 'more than enough' defensive cover and quality, despite Chris Smalling's groin problem further stretching resources.

Robin van Persie's brace sneaked United past Southampton 2-1 at St Mary's on Monday, but the Old Trafford side struggled defensively.

Van Gaal shrugged off criticism of his defence after switching midfielder Michael Carrick into a makeshift defensive role midway through Monday's clash.

Van Gaal said: "When you have injuries you cannot solve the problem otherwise.

"Do we have to buy players? No. We have more than enough."