Manchester United to reassess transfer policy due to emerging talent

The influx of youthful talent into Manchester United's first team this term has led to club to re-evaluate its tactics in the summer transfer market.

Louis van Gaal introduced James Weir late into the 3-2 win over Arsenal last weekend, making him the 14th debutant from the academy since the Dutchman took the helm in 2014.

"Of course, yes," Van Gaal replied when asked if the club has reassessed its transfer strategy for the next window, according to the Guardian's Jamie Jackson. "Also in January that we took the risk for the left-back position that we didn't buy.

"We needed a left-back and we inquired about a lot of players. Some have said it now. It is always the agent that is doing that because it is interesting Man United is inquiring but we said okay, maybe (Cameron) Borthwick-Jackson and (Guillermo) Varela can do the job. There was Spanish interest in Varela and we said no."

Other breakout talents during Van Gaal's reign include Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford, who's made an explosive impact since his late selection against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League. The former Fletcher Moss Rangers fledgling has now scored four goals over three competitive appearances.

Related - VIDEOS: Marcus Rashford scores 2 in debut as Manchester United thrashes Midtjylland

"Now I have read that Rashford is saving (my job)," Van Gaal said. "No. Rashford is thanks to my policy and the club, of course, has proved that. He is there because of that - and the same thing for Borthwick-Jackson, Varela, and a lot of other players. But they have to prove it because it is very risky to do that. Youngsters are not consistent; we are talking about consistency."

There have been some expensive flops at Old Trafford in recent years, most notably £59.7-million man Angel Di Maria, but with the youthful contingent, United has now drawn to well within the Champions League places.

"So we have a great momentum at this moment because we have discovered that a lot of players can play at this level and the older players have to compete with these youngsters. And it's fantastic, and that is also what I have experienced at my other teams, so I think it's always good to have youngsters in your selection."

United travels to a rejuvenated West Bromwich Albion in Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Van Gaal's Graduates