---
title: "Striker in United’s first-team plans"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2016/01/05/striker-uniteds-first-team-plans/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Man Utd News"
published: "2016-01-05T16:01:44Z"
modified: "2016-01-05T16:01:44Z"
---

# Striker in United’s first-team plans

Will Keane is in Manchester United’s first-team plans, according to the [Manchester Evening News](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/will-keane-manchester-united-plans-10687087).

The 22-year-old’s season-long loan with Championship side Preston was cut short last week, as Louis van Gaal looks for attacking options to supplement Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial.

![Dave Thompson/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2016/01/501102204.jpg)

Preston boss Simon Grayson indicated that United had recalled Keane to bolster their attack, saying:

> *United felt they needed an extra body around them.*
>
> *Obviously, it’s disappointing to lose Will. In the last few weeks, he’s been finding his feet with us, but that is what happens when you get loan players.*

However, Keane did not make the matchday squad for the Reds’ 2-1 victory against Swansea on Saturday, instead playing 85 minutes in the Under-21s 3-1 win over their Tottenham counterparts last night.

![Michael Regan/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2016/01/112737925.jpg)

But coach Tommy Martin hinted that Keane would be more involved with the first-team than the Under-21s, saying:

> *I think that’s the idea of him coming back from Preston, that hopefully he’ll be involved with the first team more than the Under-21s.*

The Stockport-born striker has one appearance for the Reds under his belt, coming on as a late substitute in a 3-2 defeat against Blackburn on New Year’s Eve in 2011.

Before returning to Old Trafford, Keane had scored twice for Preston in 22 appearances.