Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has admitted that he may be forced to keep young striker James Wilson at Old Trafford.

The 19-year-old is behind Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial in the pecking order and was expected to be loaned out to a Championship side, with Bolton Wanderers, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff City among those keen.

However, Rooney has missed the Red Devils' last two outings due to injury, with Wilson promoted to second choice, and Van Gaal hinted that he cannot risk being left with just one centre-forward.

"We have to consider that," he is quoted as saying by Goal.com after being asked if he could keep the youngster. "Can he play like last season without 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 sold Robin van Persie to Fenerbahce in the summer and elected against a permanent move for Radamel Falcao, who scored four times during his loan spell from AS Monaco last term.

Rooney has shrugged off the knock and is expected to start Sunday's visit to Southampton.