James Wilson: Future Manchester United star striker?

James Wilson scored for Manchester United's youth side in midweek in the Milk Cup.

Here's a little bit about the young forward...

When James Wilson was born on December 1 1995, Manchester United were preparing for a Premier League match with Norwich City.

Their line-up included Gary Pallister, Eric Cantona, Mark Hughes, and Gary Neville. There are no members of the side left playing professionally, and Wilson is truly one of United's 'next generation.'

Now 16, he is one of United's most promising prospects in his age group, and scored the winner on Tuesday in the annual Milk Cup competition against Japanese side Ichifuna.

United did not progress in the tournament, as they required a higher win margin, but top finisher Wilson did his own personal record no harm.

He scored the winner in the FA Youth Cup quarter final last season against Charlton Athletic, bouncing back from an ankle break which had threatened his development.

And that wasn't it, he hit an equaliser against Chelsea in the Youth Cup semi-final at Old Trafford, and even though the Reds went onto lose that leg 2-1, Wilson's goals in the tournament were a really good sign for the club.

He will be an important member of United's Youth Cup campaign going forward into next year. Wilson is a real goal poacher, a clinical finisher from within the penalty box. The type of striker which is invaluable to any team.

His record is highly impressive, he made his debut for United's under-18 side at just 15, and was their fourth top scorer last season despite early injury. He has gone onto play for United's Reserves side, a real accomplishment for a 16-year-old.

The Staffordshire-born teenager has also represented England Schoolboys and if he continues his progression he has every chance of making it at United.

It's clearly a while off, he will continue his development in the youth team and the reserves, and perhaps in one or two years he be invited on pre-season like many of the club's youngsters this year.

Remember the name, because he may just become a household one in the future.

Watch Wilson score against Chelsea, one minute and twenty seconds into this video...

Which United youngsters do you have high hopes for?

Dan Coombs

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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.

As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.

He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.