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Manchester United’s Top 5 Most Promising Academy Players

By Chris Fleming

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Timothy Fosu-Mensah of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on February 28 2016 in Manchester, England (Photo by Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Timothy Fosu-Mensah of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on February 28 2016 in Manchester, England (Photo by Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images) /
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BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: James Wilson of Brighton
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: James Wilson of Brighton /

5. James Wilson, Striker

The 20-year-old scored a brace on his United debut vs. Hull City. A number of promising displays last season offered further encouragement. However, this season, Wilson fell somewhat out of favour at the beginning of the campaign and was loaned to Brighton & Hove Albion.

In truth, it was probably a good move for him to make, in order to gain experience and get game time at a very respectable level.

Following a bright start, Wilson had to make do with substitute appearances at promotion-chasing Brighton. However, his return of four goals from 18 games is respectable enough.

The question, though, is whether Wilson will ever be able to return to United and hold down a spot in the first-team squad. He has the pace, dribbling and goal record required of any top striker, but even that is no guarantee.

With United likely to sack Van Gaal this summer and appoint Jose Mourinho, it will be interesting to see how the Portuguese views Wilson and whether he decides to loan, sell or keep him.

Next: 4. Adnan Januzaj

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