Wilson Buzzing After First Away Strike

James Wilson aims to build on the confidence boost his first goal of the season for Manchester United has given him.

The 19-year-old struck deep into stoppage time against Queen’s Park Rangers with a strike that clinched a hard-fought 2-0 win at Loftus Road. Wilson had seen an initial effort saved by Rob Green, but was smartly onto the rebound to get on the senior scoresheet for the first time since the win over Hull City last May.

Wilson has maintained his scoring form in the Reserves and Under-21s after the two-goal debut against the Tigers during Ryan Giggs' interim spell in charge but this was his 12th outing of the 2014/15 campaign, even though all but three of them have been cameo appearances off the bench.

"It gives me great confidence as I’ve been struggling for my first goal this season off the back end of last season,” the youngster admitted to MUTV. "It gives me great confidence and hopefully I can take it into the next game and the rest of the season.

"Walking into the dressing room [afterwards], everyone was congratulating me and making me feel really good and welcome, so it’s great."

The teenager, a graduate of the United Academy, made a marked difference after appearing as a substitute in the second half by exploiting his turn of pace, something manager Louis van Gaal had urged Wilson to use wisely.

“Basically, he just told me to stay onside, because there were a few instances [in previous games] where I’ve been offside," Wilson revealed. "Stay onside, be patient,hold your run and beat them for pace. That’s pretty much what I did for my goal.”

A solid display from United’s defence laid the foundation for an improved performance after the break, while crucial saves from David De Gea to deny QPR striker Charlie Austin also earned praise from the youngster.

“They were brilliant at the back” he added. ”And it was shame for Jonny Evans to get that injury after half-time. David’s been in great form recently and he’s helping us out of the back, it's then up to us to finish the job at the other end.”