Towards the end of the 2013/14 season, Manchester United played their last home game of the season against Hull City. After a disappointing season, the game seemed to be nothing more than a formality, and an emotional, final old Trafford bow for Ryan Giggs ‘the player’. Giggs, was interim manager at the time, and almost as if passing on the baton to the next young bright star, he handed a start to 18 year old James Wilson.
Though many people didn't know much about him, personally I was excited to see how he handled the rigours of the Premier League. Having watched him a number of times for the reserves under 21’s, and even under 18’s, it’s obvious this kid knows where the goal is. He can score all manner of goals, has pace, and can beat a man. The only question being, could he translate that to success in the premier league? After all, Francis Jeffers scored a lot of goals at youth level as well. Wilson duly scored twice on his full old Trafford debut. My excitement grew.
Fast-forward to this season, and it looked like his progress would continue. Van Gaal shipped out Danny Welbeck, and identified Wilson as the clubs best youth prospect. Van Gaal even insisted Wilson change from the no.47 shirt to no.49, to ensure the striker had a ‘9’ on his jersey.
Wilson was involved in many games in the early part of the season when Van Gaal opted to play two strikers up front. However, since the early part of the season, Wilson has found opportunities hard to come by. Just 332 minutes of premier league action this season, in 2 starts and 10 substitute appearances (stats from whoscored.com), and barely a performance of note since Van Gaal settled on the 4-3-3 formation.
With talk this week of a bid for Edinson Cavani, Wilson must be wondering if there is still going to be a spot for him next season, assuming Van Gaal sticks with the 4-3-3 (by no means certain given no goals in 2 games).
United are at home to West Brom this weekend, not the most daunting of fixtures, especially given the Red Devils home form (W-14, D-2 L-1), so perhaps this is an chance to get Wilson back into the team. With Van Persie working his way back to fitness, El Tigre playing like a pussy cat, and Rooney picking up a knee injury in the loss to Everton, I think we’re entitled to ask Van Gaal, what about James Wilson?
Source: DSG
