Manchester United's Michael Keane Hopes To Impress Louis van Gaal During Burnley Loan

Michael Keane has admitted he didn't expect to leave Manchester United in the summer but is confident he can take his chances during his loan at Burnley to prove to manager Louis van Gaal he can do a good job at Old Trafford.

After United said goodbye to Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, the 21-year-old took part in the club's US pre-season tour alongside fellow youngster Tyler Blackett.

However with Blackett ahead of him in the manager's pecking order, Van Gaal sent Keane on loan to Burnley on transfer deadline day to continue his development.

"I want to try to prove myself at this level and I don't think there is a much better place to come and do that than Burnley," Keane said to the Manchester United official website.

"It was hectic [on deadline day] and I didn't expect anything to happen when it got to 5pm but I had a call from my brother [Will] and he'd had a call from United saying Burnley were interested.

"When I heard that there was a chance to go and get some games in the Premier League, perhaps more than I would at United, I wanted to jump at the chance."

Keane has had loan spells at Leicester City, Derby County and Blackburn Rovers but he believes the Burnley chance is going to be crucial as he can gain playing time in the top flight.

"I think it's a very important time in my career. Obviously, I've had a few loans in the Championship and done well but this is a big step up now to the Premier League," Keane said.

Nevertheless, the United defender still hopes to have a career at Old Trafford in the future.

"First things first, I want as many games as possible to show everyone I can play at Premier League level. I need to make myself known at this level and help Burnley climb the table," he said.

"Obviously, because I'm in the same league as Manchester United, once I go into the United team, hopefully, I'll know what to expect playing in the Premier League and that will help me."

Furthermore, Keane said Burnley manager Sean Dyche's insistence in having him play for the Clarets was crucial in his decision.

Keane revealed Dyche went to St George's Park for face-to-face talks on deadline day as the United player was on duty with the England Under-21 squad at the time.

"He [manager Sean Dyche] came to St George's Park to speak to me that night and convinced me it was the right place to come to," Keane said. "Once I'd spoken to him, I agreed and I'm looking forward to the challenge."