Louis van Gaal will turn to Marouane Fellaini to play as the main striker for Manchester United’s against Liverpool if Wayne Rooney fails a late fitness test after sustaining a hamstring problem.

England striker Rooney was reported not to have met up with United’s other players at their base at Manchester’s Lowry hotel.

Manchester United's first team players were seen arriving at the hotel on Friday evening ahead of their crunch fixture against Liverpool.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney looks set to miss his side's match against Liverpool

Marouane Fellaini is set to fill the void left by Rooney as opposed to United new boy Anthony Martial

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal stops to take pictures with fans before entering the Lowry hotel

David de Gea, who has committed his long-term future to United by signing a new four-year deal, waved to fans as he made his way into the hotel, while Van Gaal was photographed in selfies with supporters.

Van Gaal, who is short of forwards after allowing striker Adnan Januzaj to leave on loan to Borussia Dortmund on deadline day, fears Rooney’s mystery injury will force him out of Satuday's Barclays Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

Fellaini has been told he will be the main focal point of the attack with midfielder Ander Herrera remaining as the link man behind him.

Herrera filled the No 10 position behind Rooney in United’s 2-1 defeat against Swansea City before the international break and believes he can make the position his own.

United’s players practised lumping long balls up to Fellaini for Herrera, plus wide men Memphis Depay and Juan Mata to feed off the knock downs on Friday.

David de Gea waves to the fans gathered outside the Lowry hotel shortly after signing a new contract

Martial will be hoping to make his Manchester United debut following his £36m move from Monaco



