Wilson’s impressive goal-scoring record on his journey to United’s senior team had made him a household name. Club legend Ryan Giggs, acting as interim manager at the end of the 2013/14 season, decided to give the young player a chance in the first team. Despite making 17 appearances in all competitions the following season while still a teenager, he only played twice for the Red Devils in the four subsequent seasons before leaving Old Trafford permanently.
Wilson spent the last two seasons at Port Vale and sadly couldn’t stop them from dropping to the fourth tier after finishing 23rd, confirming their relegation. The former Red Devils academy star, now 28, is currently a free agent looking for his next opportunity. Ryan Giggs previously sang the praises of the striker, dubbing him a ‘clever, natural goalscorer’ with the ability to ‘run at people’.
“James came across, he trained really well. I already knew about him because he was a goalscorer, he was scoring regularly for both the reserves and the youth team,” he added. “He really impressed me with the way he trained and the way he had an eye for a goal, and he had the dream debut, didn’t he?
He scored a couple of goals. He’s always been a really good finisher. He had his injury problems but he’s a good lad, he always wanted to improve,” Giggs said.
Wilson’s stint at United included loan spells in the Championship, notably a five-goal season with Brighton in 2015/16. His career has since taken him to Derby County, Sheffield United, Aberdeen, and Salford City, where Giggs has recently taken over as director of football.
