The 2013/14 season marked the start of a new era for Manchester United who finished in seventh place after a period of dominance spanning over two decades under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson.
United’s lowly finish was a shock to the system at Old Trafford who sacked David Moyes before the end of his maiden campaign.
The final few games of the season was overseen by club legend Ryan Giggs who stuck with club traditions and turned to youth to ensure United ended the torrid term with something to hold onto.
Striker James Wilson was introduced by the Welshman and looked set for a bright future after scoring twice on his debut in the Premier League.
Giggs claimed United fans “had seen a glimpse of the future” after Wilson’s double at home to Hull City, branding him a “natural goal scorer” and tipping him for big things.
However, things didn’t turn out as planned for the striker who failed to hold down a spot in United’s first team moving and left the club after making just 20 appearances.
As reported by The Sun, the Englishman’s career has since spiraled and he is now without a club after being released by League One strugglers, Northampton Town.
Wilson was dubbed “the new Wayne Rooney” but was sent on multiple loan spells before eventually leaving United on a free transfer to Aberdeen in the summer of 2019.
After a year in Scotland, Wilson returned to the North West, signing for the Class of ’92’s Salford City but failed to impress once more, leaving after a troubled twelve months.
Port Vale were next to take a punt on the forward who went onto produce the best form of his career with The Valiants, scoring 25 times in just over 100 games.
However, Wilson was let go by Vale at the end of his contract and signed for Northampton for the 2024/2025 season.
The Cobblers managed to maintain their League One status but the former United man struggled to make an impact with Kevin Nolan’s side and failed earn an extension to his deal.
It remains to be seen where Wilson lands next but he is running out of time to leave his mark on the game after so much promise in his early years.
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Conner Botterill
Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
