Manchester United: James Wilson set to join Derby County on loan

Manchester United are set to send James Wilson on loan to Derby County, making use of the emergency loan window to give the youngster some experience in the Championship. The 17-year-old was expected to be sent out on loan in the actual transfer window but a move failed to materialise, and now, Louis van Gaal has decided that he has enough options to carry on till January.

The Daily Mail reports that more than 20 clubs made enquiries for the player this summer when word got out that they were looking to let Wilson go following the arrival of Anthony Martial. Wilson has played only 17 minutes of football since the turn of the year and the manager believes that a move to a club in the lower league, where he will get proper first team action will be beneficial for his development.

The emergency loan window opened on 8 September and will continue till 25 September, in which clubs can loan out players who have not been registered in their 25-member Premier League squad, to teams in the lower leagues. Derby were quick to grab the opportunity as in a bid to add to their goal scoring tally, having managed only four goals in their first five Championship fixtures.

This shall leave United with only two recognised strikers up front in the form of Wayne Rooney and Martial. Van Gaal is likely to make use of the likes of Memphis Depay and Marouane Fellaini to fill the numbers but the lack of experience can be a major hindrance for the Red Devils in case of an injury.

United have let Javier Hernandez leave the club to join Bayer Leverkusen where he has signed a three-year deal. Adnan Januzaj, who scored one of United's three goals they managed in the four games thus far, has also been sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund, leaving the Dutchman to bank on his experienced players to put in their best game.