Will Keane will finish his loan at Preston prematurely, as Manchester United look to solve their striking problems in the new year.
United have scored only twice in their last four premier league outings and main striker Wayne Rooney hasn't been on the score sheet since the middle of October.
Louis van Gaal has taken the decision to recall Keane, who joined the Championship side on a season-long loan in July, but has only managed just one goal in 20 league appearances.
Anthony Martial and Juan Mata have both contributed to the attack with four goals apiece, but with Javier Hernandez and Robin van Persie moved on, United are having trouble in the final third of the pitch.
The 20-time champions have only netted 22 times this season and will look to youth to bolster a weakened forward line.
Will Keane has only scored once in 20 league appearances for PNE this season. Image: Tim Goode / EMPICS Sport
“[It happened] in the last 24 hours or so. United felt they needed an extra body around them,” Preston manager Simon Grayson told Sky Sports.
“Obviously it’s disappointing to lose Will. In the last few weeks he’s been finding his feet with us.
"But that is what happens when you get loan players.”
The 22-year-old's sole first-team appearance for United came as a substitute in a home loss to Blackburn on New Year's Eve back in 2011.
