United striker Wilson joins Brighton on loan

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has backed the club and player in letting James Wilson join Brighton and Hove Albion on loan.

Louis van Gaal was initially reluctant to send the forward on loan due to injury concerns at the club, but admitted that a loan move was the best choice for the forward, who is in desperate need for regular game time in a competitive environment.

Writing on Twitter, he said: ‘People shocked at James Wilson leaving on loan. Why?

Wilson is contracted to United until 2019.

Wilson will challenge current striker Bobby Zamora, Tomer Hemed and Sam Baldock for a place in the Brighton first team.

“A lot of young lads end up aged 22 with only 50 games under their belt through waiting in the wings”.

Given the struggles of the United captain so far this term Wilson might have expected more time on the pitch, but the teenager has been handed just eight minutes of league action and one start in the League Cup against Middlesbrough. That leaves Manchester United with just two designated strikers in Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney (although Memphis filled the void in the win over Watford last week).

“He is very highly thought of at Old Trafford and he has been in and around the first team picture since Ryan Giggs gave him his debut the season before last”. He has featured this season against Arsenal and Middlesborough and was on the bench in United’s 0-0 draw with PSV Eindhoven last night.

“James is an exciting young striker, and we hope that this move will prove very good for all parties involved”.