Van Gaal Has Confidence In Cameron-Borthwick Jackson

Louis van Gaal insists he had no qualms about handing a debut to Cameron-Borthwick Jackson, after the youngster came off the bench to help Manchester United secure a clean sheet against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

The 18-year-old defender replaced Marcos Rojo after 77 minutes of the Reds' 2-0 win at Old Trafford, to become the eighth Academy graduate to make his first senior appearance for the club during van Gaal's reign as manager.

Jesse Lingard - another player to have risen through the United ranks - opened the scoring in the second half with his first senior goal, before Juan Mata's late penalty wrapped up the three points.

Borthwick-Jackson joins Lingard, Tyler Blackett, Reece James, Saidy Janko, Andreas Pereira, Paddy McNair and Tom Thorpe in making the step up under the current management and, after the game, the boss explained why United's new no.43 deserved his chance.

"I have seen him once or twice and I have been impressed by him," van Gaal told MUTV. "Yesterday, I knew that Marouane Fellaini was injured, so I talked with [Under-21s coach] Warren Joyce and asked what he had for me.

"I’m always taking with him or [Under-18s coach] Paul McGuinness, and he [Joyce] said at the moment the left full-back is in good shape. I needed a left full-back because Marcos Rojo had played a few games in a row, so I have to take into account that it might be too much.

"I put Cameron in the line-up without any fear, and I have to say he did very well."