Tom Thorpe ready to wait for Manchester United starts

Manchester United youngster Tom Thorpe has ruled out a loan move away from Old Trafford next season after declaring his intention to stay and fight for his place under Louis van Gaal.

Thorpe has seen just a single minute of action this season though he was handed his United debut in the 2-0 win over West Ham United in September, while he was an unused substitute in the League Cup loss to Milton Keynes Dons and league win over Everton.

The 22-year-old's lack of appearances have come amid a defensive injury crisis this season for United, which has seen senior players Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Jonny Evans and Daley Blind all spend time on the sidelines.

Such were United's problems Louis van Gaal was forced to dip into the club's reserve team where Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair were both given their United debuts, but Thorpe was overlooked despite the lack of resources.

But the continued failures to break into the United team has only inspired the ex-Birmingham City loanee to work harder to achieve his dream and he admits he will not follow Adnan Januzaj – who is likely to make way after the signing of Memphis Depay – and leave to gain first team experience.

"I think it would be [an option] because it is naturally the next step you need to take," Thorpe told the Manchester Evening News.

"At a club like United you don't necessarily want to be trying to force yourself out of the window on loan because you want to see where your opportunity might lie.

"They're more than willing to give you advice. You can talk to them about anything, they're very approachable. It can only be beneficial.

"It can just be a certain game situation, how to handle different teams and the way they play, strikers… things like that.

"Everyone is working for each other, it gives great experience for the younger lads playing with those kind of players."

On Blackett and McNair's appearances, he added: "Seeing them play in the first team makes you feel like you could get a chance," he said. "It does give you a confidence boost and you just have to work hard.

"I think the next stage is obviously first team football. That's clear for anyone – the fact that I've played in the reserves for a while, I've captained the reserves – so naturally that's the next step for me to take.

"You have conversations with your coach and your manager and you want to know your thoughts on how they see you and where they see you fitting into the team."