Time For Wilson To Push His Claims

The positives were far from plentiful when Manchester United last played, eight long days ago at Arsenal, but there was at least a bright spot in James Wilson making his first senior appearance of the season.

The 19-year-old striker came off the bench for the closing stages of a difficult afternoon at the Emirates Stadium and understandably, given the circumstances, he was restricted in having any major impact. The brief cameo was more cautious than explosive, which has sometimes been the case when he is introduced into games - it certainly was at the same stadium last year when the Reds held out for victory. Yet there persists the feeling an unleashed Wilson can wreak havoc on even the best of defences with his movement and direct approach. This could be his time to shine.

Maintaining the form of a two-goal debut under Ryan Giggs's temporary stewardship in May 2014 was an almost impossible challenge but he gained more experience during Louis van Gaal's first campaign in charge and showed glimpses of what all seasoned watchers of the younger United teams know he can produce.

Blessed with incredible pace and a dead-eyed instinct for goals, there is no doubting Wilson is a real talent. United showed faith in him with a new long-term contract last month and by thus far resisting loan approaches from the string of clubs desperate to obtain his services.

Van Gaal has suggested Wilson is the natural deputy for Anthony Martial at present but voiced concerns at a lack of action for the Englishman. "He has to play but I have doubts about letting him go," explained the boss recently. "Maybe he shall receive minutes off me because I have to rotate, as I did against Ipswich Town, and it can also be done in the other matches. So, I have talked with him and I think that we wait until December."

The manager thinks he will have a clearer picture closer to Christmas as to whether he can release Wilson on loan but in the short term, the striker needs to show he can force himself into the side and make a real impact. Scoring, as he often does, in United Under-21s' win over Everton did his cause no harm and he will look to hit the net again when representing his country on Tuesday evening.

Wilson scored on his England Under-21 debut against USA Under-23s and will be on the goal trail again when Kazakhstan provide the opposition for Gareth Southgate's team at Coventry's Ricoh Arena. One point to note is Southgate made a reference after the centre-forward's satisfying bow last month to the fact there is more physical development to come.

On this front, there was an encouraging sign from Wilson's only Under-21 outing for the Reds this term. During the 3-1 victory over Everton, when he also contributed a nice assist for James Weir, the striker was involved in a crunching challenge with Matthew Pennington. Unfortunately, the Toffees' bruising centre-back was unable to continue but Wilson got to his feet and showed no ill effects.

Last season, when watching Willo, there was sometimes the fear he would be left hobbling due to the physical treatment he received from opponents, probably due to his burgeoning reputation and his habit of making life awkward for defenders. So it was reassuring to see evidence that he is perhaps becoming more durable and capable of riding such strong tackles.

The talent is there and another goal for England Under-21s on Tuesday would relay the message that he is ready for more involvement at United. Maybe even with another game against Everton on Saturday, but this time for the first team at Goodison Park in the Reds' next Barclays Premier League assignment.

The views expressed in this article are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United.

Credit: Manutd.com