Van Gaal Defends James Wilson Loan

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has defended his decision to send striker James Wilson on loan to Sky Bet Championship promotion hopefuls Brighton until the end of the season.

The move was finalised on Thursday and leaves United with just two recognised strikers - captain Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial.

United's struggles in front of goal have been a source of frustration for many fans this season with shouts of "attack, attack, attack" regularly heard at Old Trafford this season and a chorus of boos greeted the final whistle following the 0-0 draw with PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

Wilson's loan move was met with dismay by some fans on social media on Thursday night but Van Gaal insists his decision was in the best interests of both the club and the player.

"I have not always chosen him in the selection, and I think for him it's better to play at his age than sit on the bench or play in the second squad," Van Gaal said.

"In the short term, maybe it's not so good for Manchester United, but in the long term it is better. It is part of the development of a player.

"We believe in him and when we need him we can call him back."

Despite United's lack of strikers, Wilson has featured only twice for the first team this season and Van Gaal chose to start Memphis Depay up front against Watford on Saturday with both Rooney and Martial out.

Wilson joins Brighton with the club currently in second place in the Championship table, level on points with leaders Hull City, who face Derby County on Friday night

Credit: Skysports.com