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James Wilson is determined to stay and fight for his place at Manchester United - despite Louis van Gaal being prepared to send him out on loan.

Van Gaal is open to letting the England under 21 international further his development elsewhere this season, with United retaining the option to recall him in case of injury.

But Wilson is understood to be keen to remain at Old Trafford where he believes he can still play a part this term.

Van Gaal has already offloaded Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and Javier Hernandez this summer.

Adnan Januzaj, who could also play up front, has been loaned to Borussia Dortmund.

Despite the signings of Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial, United look light in attack, with Wayne Rooney the only experienced striker at Van Gaal’s disposal.

Wilson believes he will get chances this season after making his breakthrough last term.

The 19-year-old played 17 times in Van Gaal’s first year at the club, with United’s Dutch manager valuing his pace.

The arrivals of Depay and Martial have added much-needed speed to United’s front line - but both are unproven in the Premier League.

Van Gaal is also banking on Rooney remaining fit throughout the campaign and proving that he can still lead the line in the No9 role.

With Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Ander Herrera all capable of playing as a No10, Van Gaal believes he has enough options in attack.

But he appears to have left himself a shortage of out and out goal-scorers, which could present Wilson with an opportunity in the event of injury of loss of form for Rooney.

As many as 15 clubs were said to be interested in him on deadline day, with Tottenham and West Brom strongly linked.

With the transfer window now closed, he cannot join another Premier League club until January.

But he would be able to go on loan to a Championship club, with Van Gaal understood to be prepared to let him go.

The challenge now is to convince his manager that he can play a part this season.

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After suffering hamstring problems last term, he is convinced he can make a bigger impact for club and country.

“Staying fit has always been a big thing for me but this season I’m feeling stronger and fitter and I’m in the gym a lot more,” he said.

“If I can stay fitter for longer then I can make the most of any opportunity that does come my way, with United and England.

“This is going to be a massive season for me and I need to grab it with both hands and hopefully I can make it to where I want to be.”