Manchester United striker James Wilson has joined Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion on loan for the rest of the season.
Wilson joins Brighton after making just two appearances for United this season, having failed to complete more than 45 minutes in either match. The striker came off the bench in October’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal before being substituted at half-time against Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup a few weeks later.
The United front man joins a Brighton side that are second in the Championship and only behind leaders Hull City on goal difference. Wilson, however, will be hoping he can add to the Seagulls’ tally of just 22 goals in 17 league matches so far this term.
Opportunities at United have been limited this season for Wilson, who has suffered a series of unfortunate injuries. The Biddulph-born youngster would have been especially disappointed to have missed out on Saturday’s win away to Watford when fellow strikers Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney were both injured.
Wilson has also seen his match time restricted by Martial’s amazing start to life at Old Trafford and Louis van Gaal’s loyalty to Rooney.
The move should not dishearten Wilson though, especially given that he signed a new four-year contract as recently as September. At the time, Louis van Gaal said:
He is a very talented forward player and has a keen eye for goal. His development is continuing in the right direction and it is clear to see that he has a fine future ahead of him.
Wilson can also be encouraged by the fact that United team-mate and fellow academy graduate Jesse Lingard has also spent time on loan at Brighton, with the winger enjoying a successful spell in the second half of the 2013-14 season.
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