Wilson Determined To Improve And Progress

With so much experience around him, from his team-mates to Louis van Gaal and Ryan Giggs, James Wilson admits he is learning from the best during his full debut season as a Manchester United striker.

The 19-year-old has registered 15 appearances in all competitions this season and scored his second goal of the campaign in Tuesday's FA Cup replay win over Cambridge, which is no mean feat when you consider he is competing with Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao for places up front.

As Wilson explains in his recent interview with United Review, the matchday programme at Old Trafford, he is determined to tap into the combined knowledge of his fellow strikers and hopes to extract their outstanding qualities into his own flourishing game.

“I have learned a lot from all three of them, probably different things from each of them,” said Wilson. “Coming into work and training with them every day is unbelievable for me because I have got a lot to learn in the game.

"This is my first season in the first team so I have just got to train with them as much as I can, keep fit and keep learning. I’ve had a few 'pinch-me' moments though.”

Wilson can also count on the support of van Gaal, who has repeatedly shown trust in the young striker since his appointment as manager in the summer. As you might expect, the Staffordshire-born forward is delighted to have such an iconic figure in his corner.

“He’s a top manager,” Wilson said. “In training, he always wants 100 per cent out of everybody and he is very encouraging. If you need help from him, you can just go up to him and ask. He is not one of those people who are distant, he will take the time out to talk to you and that is good for me.”

Quizzed on his relationship with assistant-manager Giggs, Wilson explained how the Welshman has been a constant of pillar of support since making his debut for the interim boss in May. “It is brilliant for me because of the experience he has got from the game," added the England Under-20 international.

"I have spoken to him a few times now when I needed advice. He is very easy to approach and he is great to speak to when you need someone to chat to. He is always free and you can call on him whenever you need him.”

So how has life changed for Wilson in the last year, given the breakneck speed at which his career has progressed? “It has not changed too much, to be honest," he insists.

"I get a few people noticing me whenever I go out but it is not over the top, it is just the odd person when I go out. To be fair, my life hasn’t really changed at all – although my friends have probably started to talk to me a bit more!”