Van Gaal: Chicharito and Januzaj are in my plans…but I’m still shopping

Both players are wanted men, but Louis van Gaal insists that Javier Hernandez and Adnan Januzaj are going nowhere.

Last season Hernandez was behind Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao in the Old Trafford pecking order, and deemed so surplus to requirements that he was allowed to go out on loan to Real Madrid. But Van Gaal has made it clear to the 27-year-old that he is now seen as a vital member of the squad, and will lead the line in the absence of captain Wayne Rooney. "The striker is Rooney and Chicharito is the second striker, he knows that," explained the Dutchman when asked about the cherubic Mexican's role at the club. Another player staying put is Adnan Januzaj. There had been strong rumours that the Belgian was heading out on loan to Sunderland. However the United manager retorted with a unambiguous "Not for sale” when asked whether the 20-year-old was being farmed out this season. Van Gaal may not be in the mood to let players leave, but he is certainly still in the market to recruit. He again stressed his desire to supplement the United squad with new signings - as long as they were of the required quality. “We are always looking to improve the squad," said Van Gaal, whilst adding "...[but] we will only buy to improve,” The two players with whom United have been most strongly linked are La Liga pair Pedro and Nicolas Otamendi.