Youngster Joe Rothwell is keen on forcing his way into the Manchester United first team.

Manager Louis van Gaal has given a host of young players such as Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Marcus Rashford, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Joe Riley among others, their debuts at United and the Dutchman has been praised for his faith in young players.

Midfielder Rothwell, who spent time on loan at Barnsley earlier this season, has been encouraged by seeing so many youngsters given a chance to shine by van Gaal and has now expressed his desire to become the next player to transition from the Under-21's to the first team.

Speaking to MUTV, Rothwell said: "It's been another mini pre-season for me, just building myself back up, and now it's all worked out nicely and I'm back on the pitch playing again now.

"The plan for me now is to kick on and play as many minutes as I can and hopefully push into the first team. I've had a little bit of bad luck in the past but hopefully my luck will change now.

"Looking at a few of the young lads who have come through this year, it makes you open your eyes and think: 'That's what I want to be doing'."