James Wilson has ended speculation of a move away from Manchester United - for now - by signing a new four-year contract with the club.
Wilson had been linked with a loan move away, first to West Bromwich Albion, and then to Championship clubs, but United manager appeared to have a change of heart and plans to keep him for the season. This might be linked with a failed move for Alexandre Pato on deadline day, if such a move was attempted, as Pato claimed earlier this week.
Wilson has struggled for games under Van Gaal, failing to dislodge Radamel Falcao or Robin van Persie last season, and being quickly usurped by Anthony Martial since his move from Monaco. He is now a third-choice striker, though he could be relegated to fourth choice if Van Gaal returns to favouring Marouane Fellaini as a reserve striker.
Van Gaal hinted Wilson could start to feature more if United progress in various competitions, saying:
He is the natural successor of Martial, but I think he needs to play. But Manchester United's interests is always higher than individual interests so I have doubts to let him go. Maybe we have to wait until December to know how it is with our club - if we are succeeding in the Champions League, the Capital One Cup - because maybe he shall receive minutes off me because I have to rotate.