LVG defends Wilson loan

Manchester - Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has defended his decision to loan out young forward James Wilson at a time when the team is short of genuine strikers and struggling to score.

The 19-year-old Wilson has joined second-tier Brighton for the rest of the season, leaving United with just two out-and-out strikers - Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial - in its squad.

Van Gaal has used midfielders Marouane Fellaini and Memphis Depay as makeshift forwards.

Van Gaal says on Friday that "in the short term, maybe it's not so good for Manchester United. But in the long term, it's better. It is part of the development of a player."

United has had four goalless draws in its last seven games, and Van Gaal has been criticized for his defensive style.