James Wilson leaves Manchester United: Brighton and Hove Albion sign striker

Manchester United forward James Wilson has joined Sky Bet Championship promotion hopefuls Brighton and Hove Albion on loan until the end of the season.

However, Van Gaal is prepared to allow the youngster to continue his development by playing regularly and has therefore loaned him out to the Championship club.

However with United’s current lack of options up front, Van Gaal has admitted Wilson’s move is not good for United in the short term.

There was a belief that he was highly rated by Louis van Gaal, and with the dearth of quality in the striking options at the start of the season, many suspected that Wilson would be second or third choice striker.

19-year-old Wilson has been given just eight minutes of Premier League action this season, and has played a grand total of 54 minutes in all competitions, despite United’s injury concerns in attack.

He was on the bench for United in their Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven last night, and played against Arsenal in the Premier League and Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup earlier this season.

Brighton are second in the Championship, only behind leaders Hull City on goal difference, but have won just one of their last five fixtures.

“We have to think what is better for a player like Wilson and at the moment he does not have too many possibilities to play on a higher level”.

Manchester United fans have been disappointed with Van Gaal’s style of play this season and will be further displeased with his decision to not give Wilson a chance at the club.