Bastian Schweinsteiger is the major absentee from the Manchester United squad for the big International Champions Cup game against Barcelona at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Saturday.
Schweinsteiger was criticised by Louis Van Gaal for his performance in the win over the San Jose Earthquakes, but the midfielder, who joined from Bayern Munich a few days ago, will not have an opportunity to impress his new manager in the game against Barca, owing to an injury.
"Schweinsteiger cannot play because he had a little injury," Van Gaal said. "I never talk about the injury. I say only it is a minor issue and I don't take risks in preparation time. He shall not even play for 30 minutes.
"So maybe I have Schweinsteiger in my head in the lineup but I cannot do that, but I will play the lineup I think could play against Tottenham.
"We play the first 60 minutes so I have to make a selection already between players, if you play 60 minutes or 30. Our building up programme was 45 so now you can see which direction I think."
Van Gaal will have David De Gea available for selection against Barcelona, with Antonio Valencia, who, like the goalkeeper, also missed the first two preseason games, another option for the manager.
The Dutchman knows everything there is to know about Barcelona, having managed the club previously, and he expects his Manchester United players to savour the occasion, as they could very well be facing the European champions sometime in the Champions League next season.
"I have said to the players it is fantastic to play against Barcelona because then you know a little bit if you are at a certain level, to play, to win the Champions League," Van Gaal added. "Our aim this season is not to win the Champions League but to be close.
"Of course, I know that this is preseason. We know very well that winning is not the real truth because in the season you have to show it. Not in preseason.
"The performance is more important than the result. That is for me what counts, how we perform. I would be very happy when we win, of course."
Barcelona beat LA Galaxy in their first preseason game four days ago, with Luis Suarez getting on the scoresheet. Suarez will pose the biggest threat again, and the Uruguayan will, no doubt, test the iffy Manchester United defence.
The Spanish La Liga season only begins a couple of weeks after the Premier League, so there is still plenty of time for Luis Enrique to get his Barcelona players back into top shape. The same cannot be said for Van Gaal, who only has one more preseason match after this one, before Manchester United play Tottenham in the Premier League opener.
Where to Watch Live
Barcelona vs Manchester United is scheduled to begin at 1.05 pm local time (9 pm BST, 1.30 am IST) with live coverage in India on Star Sports 4. The online live streaming option for audience in India is on Starsports online.
Viewers in Spain can catch all the ICC 2015 game live on Canal+ and TV3.
ESPN Deportes (Spanish commentary) and Fox Sports will show the International Champions Cup game live in the US. Barcelona vs Manchester United can also be live streamed on Foxsoccer2go and Watch ESPN.
Manchester United vs Barcelona can be watched by international viewers, including UK, on MUTV and MUTV Online and also by downloading the Manchester United Club App.
