Manchester United Agree Reece James Loan Move to Rotherham United

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has agreed to part ways with youngster left-back Reece James by sending him on loan to Rotherham United until 10 January – even though Luke Shaw is out injured.

After an impressive pre-season with the first team, scoring a brace during the victory over LA Galaxy, Louis van Gaal looked ready to hand James playing time in the current campaign, especially considering the shortage of fit defenders.

The Dutch boss included the 21-year-old versatile left-back in the first-team squad for the first three Premier League games, while Shaw was injured. However, since then, James has just played one game with the first team, making his senior debut in the Capital One Cup defeat at MK Dons.

Shaw's recent injury appeared to provide an opportunity for James to make his mark on the first team but Van Gaal has decided to send him on loan Rotherham United to continue his development.

"Manchester United have agreed a deal with Rotherham United to allow defender Reece James to head to the New York Stadium on loan until 10 January," the club confirmed.

"The move to the Championship should benefit the 21-year-old, who has previously been farmed out to Carlisle United."

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reports Van Gaal may be without first choice left-back Shaw for three more weeks due to ligament damage, after the England international was withdrawn 16 minutes into the game against Arsenal on Saturday 22 November with an ankle injury.

However, long-term absentee Jonny Evans may be ready for the weekend game against Hull City after making his return to action during the reserves game victory over Blackburn Rovers in the Lancashire Senior Cup on Tuesday 25 November.