Manchester United: Louis van Gaal keen on new winger but shrugs off Arjen Robben transfer rumours

A fast winger remains the top priority for Louis van Gaal ahead of the January transfer window, but the Manchester United manager has refused to discuss the club's rumoured interest in Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben.

United have been relentlessly linked with a move for Robben, 31, ever since Van Gaal's arrival at the club in the summer of 2014, when he told the Netherlands international he would "always be welcome" at Old Trafford.

Having already revealed the club will consider bringing in a left-back to provide cover for the injured Luke Shaw, the United boss has again stressed the need for more pace in his side ahead of the Champions League tie with PSV Eindhoven.

But Van Gaal was reluctant to specifically discuss Robben, after his comments regarding a move for Cristiano Ronaldo were seized upon by the media. When asked if United were considering a move for his compatriot, Van Gaal told a press conference: "If I answer that question, then you are writing [the club are trying to sign] Robben, [like] what you have written about Ronaldo, and that I didn't say.

"Still, I need more balance in my selection. I want that we also have fast wingers and that is a better balance in the team."

Van Gaal has previously indicated he is keen to strengthen the right side of his attack with a pacier option. Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard have shared responsibilities in that position so far this season, but the manager feels his side needs more.

"I have already said in my first year many times we need speed and creativity on the wings," Van Gaal claimed, the Manchester Evening News reports. "You have seen that now we play with Jesse Lingard and he is not the most speedy winger in the world and Mata is also not the most speedy winger in the world.

Van Gaal has already indicated the club will bring in cover at left-back in January, amid concerns that Shaw, who suffered a double leg-break in September, will not return this season.

"I was convinced Luke would have a very good season and because of that I didn't want to buy a second player for left-back. Maybe we have to buy a left-back in January," he said.