Transfer Centre

Louis van Gaal: 'I won't sign a striker'

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 09 August 2015

Louis van Gaal hints that he will not use the remaining time left in the transfer window to strengthen Manchester United's striking options.

Louis van Gaal has played down Manchester United's need for a centre-forward after suggesting that he is happy with his strikeforce.

Electing against a permanent deal for Radamel Falcao and selling Robin van Persie means that Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez are United's only established strikers.

Rooney spearheaded the attack in Saturday's 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur - courtesy of Kyle Walker's own goal - but Van Gaal hints that he may not strengthen that area.

The United captain was often used in central midfield last term, but the Dutchman suggests that the 30-year-old's primary role this time around will be a number nine.

"No, that is not a special item for me - it is more in the media they are discussing about a striker," Van Gaal told reporters. "The striker is Wayne Rooney and we also have Hernandez, [Adnan] Januzaj and [James] Wilson. It is not a special objective for me.

"But when we can buy another striker who has a lot of qualities, more than our players, then we buy. But we have always done that.

"I said it before but they [the media] are not writing it. I have said it before, we have Rooney. You [the media] said he has to play in a striker's position."

The transfer window shuts on September 1.