James Wilson didn’t even get on the bench for Manchester United’s Capital One Cup victory over Ipswich, which bucks the trend of supporters are used to when it comes to this competition. Sir Alex Ferguson historically used the League Cup as an opportunity to give youth team players a game, but Louis van Gaal fielded a strong side, with Andreas Pereira the only youngster involved.

Van Gaal has spoken about what he plans for Wilson’s future.

The situation we are in at the moment is that we have three injured players. Of course, they are not in his position, but we have also have Rooney and Martial, with also Fellaini who I can maybe use as plan B. Wilson is the natural successor [replacement] for Martial. He needs to play. However, Manchester United’s interests are always higher than individual interests, so I have doubts about letting him go. Maybe we will have to wait until December to see how it is with our club. Are we succeeding in the Champions League? In the Capital One Cup? Maybe he shall receive minutes from me, because I have to rotate as I did against Ipswich Town and it can also be done in the other matches. So, I have talked with him and I think that we wait until December.