Will Keane
Keane eager to prove himself to Old Trafford hierarchy. Getty

Will Keane still harbours hopes of establishing himself at Manchester United after getting off the mark at Preston North End. The 22-year-old is currently on his fourth loan spell away from Old Trafford and is looking to prove himself to Louis van Gaal at Deepdale this season.

The England Under-21 international scored his first goal for the club against Burnley – a game where he came up against his twin brother Michael Keane – and is hopeful he can continue to "make up for lost time" following a serious knee injury suffered soon after his United debut almost four years ago.

He told the Lancashire Post: "I keep in close contact with [United's Under-21 manager] Warren Joyce and he was there on Saturday. My full focus is on Preston and I am enjoying my football. Long term, my aim is to play for United because I have been with them for a number of years."

After being handed a first-team debut under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011, Keane suffered a serious knee ligament injury that ruled him out for 18 months. Following unsuccessful loan spells at Wigan Athletic and Queens Park Rangers, the striker found some form at Sheffield Wednesday during the second half of the 2014-15 season and hopes to continue to build on that improvement at Preston.

He said: "The knee injury I got there a few years ago wasn't the best timing because I had just got into the squad at United. I've got to try and make up for lost time and this loan with Preston is helping me. My fitness is good and this is a great club to play for."

According to the Lancashire Post, United have the option to recall Keane in January. Van Gaal's side take on Wolfsburg in their pivotal Champions League group tie on 8 December with just one recognised striker in the squad in Anthony Martial.