Manchester United: Louis van Gaal hints at keeping striker James Wilson at Old Trafford despite loan move suggestions
Louis van Gaal has admitted James Wilson will not leave Manchester United on loan, at least for the time being. The Red Devils manager wanted to get the teenager regular playing time this season, which was difficult to get at Old Trafford.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager decided against signing Radamel Falcao on a permanent transfer after a disappointing performance last season. In addition to this, he allowed Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez toleave the club as they joined Fenerbahce and Bayer Leverkusen respectively.
The Dutchman and the Mexican international's exit forced United to bring in young striker Anthony Martial, who arrived from AS Monaco on deadline day. With Marouane Fellaini set to play as a striker, Van Gaal wanted Wilson go out on loan to the Championship, with an option to recall him.
However, Wayne Rooney was sidelined with an injury, which forced him to miss the clash against Liverpool and PSV Eindhoven. The situation at Old Trafford forced the United manager to change his decision in allowing Wilson to leave the club on loan.
"We have to consider that [keeping him here]. Can he play like last season without [getting] many playing minutes? That is not good for him. But, of course, the injuries for Manchester United are above all other interests so we have to consider that again," Van Gaal told United's official website.
Wolves boss Kenny Jackett earlier confirmed United are unwilling to let Wilson leave as they planned to keep him at Old Trafford. It should be seen whether Wilson will get opportunities under the Dutchman, especially when he has Rooney and Martial at his disposal.
Meanwhile, Luke Shaw is set to miss most part of the 2015/16 season after a double fracture during the Champions League clash against PSV. Van Gaal admitted he has several options in the left-back position, but said it is difficult to replace the England international.
"That is not any problem I think, but Shaw is the line-up player. I have already said that it is very difficult to replace him, certainly when he is in such good shape. But we have good replacements in Blind, Rojo and in Ashley Young," the United manager said.
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