Manchester United manager David Moyes admits the long stretch of games over the Christmas period and New Year is affecting his players’ fitness.

Wayne Rooney was the latest casualty to suffer an injury as he missed United’s 1-0 win over Norwich on Saturday.

Moyes explained after the match that he was suffering from a groin injury, but suggested he would be back for the next game.

The Red Devils manager also said striker Robin van Persie was close to recovering from his injury that has seen him sidelined for nearly a month.

“Wayne was missing because he's got an adductor injury in his groin,” said Moyes.

“He missed the Stoke game because of the same injury.

“I think if we hadn't got so many games and we could give him a couple of weeks just to recover properly, I think he'd be fine, but I'd expect him to be OK for the next game against Tottenham.

“Robin has started some light training and he might not be too far away as well.

“We have not had them as a partnership very often, and we are looking forward to having them together.”

Reflecting on his sides 1-0 win over Norwich, Moyes admitted his side were not at the best, but did what was necessary to grind out a result.

“To win back-to-back games in three days in the Premier League away from home is really difficult,” added Moyes.

“Some teams don't play until tomorrow, but we had two games in three days and I've got to say the squad coped really well, even though we've had a few injuries.

“I was delighted to get the result. I thought Norwich played really well at times and we had to dig deep to make sure we got the victory.”