Louis van Gaal: 'I won't sign a striker'

Louis van Gaal has played down Manchester United's need for a centre-forward after suggesting that he is happy with his strikeforce.

Electing against a permanent deal for Radamel Falcao and selling Robin van Persie means that Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez are United's only established strikers.

Rooney spearheaded the attack in Saturday's 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur - courtesy of Kyle Walker's own goal - but Van Gaal hints that he may not strengthen that area.

The United captain was often used in central midfield last term, but the Dutchman suggests that the 30-year-old's primary role this time around will be a number nine.

"No, that is not a special item for me - it is more in the media they are discussing about a striker," Van Gaal told reporters. "The striker is Wayne Rooney and we also have Hernandez, [Adnan] Januzaj and [James] Wilson. It is not a special objective for me.

"But when we can buy another striker who has a lot of qualities, more than our players, then we buy. But we have always done that.

"I said it before but they [the media] are not writing it. I have said it before, we have Rooney. You [the media] said he has to play in a striker's position."

The transfer window shuts on September 1.