It has been confirmed today that James Wilson, who is currently the top scorer for Manchester United’s U-23 side this season, has joined Sheffield United on loan.

Having scored two goals on his debut when given his first start by interim manager Ryan Giggs, Wilson has had a difficult time.

Louis van Gaal hailed him as Anthony Martial’s natural successor but a loan move to Derby in 2016 saw him sustain an cruciate ligament injury. Wilson didn’t play any football for 10 months but has since been playing regularly since his first game back in August 2017.

Wilson is hoping that this move to Sheffield United will be what he needs to get his place in the team of his boyhood club, having watched the likes of Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay making the progression while he’s been off the field.

I’m delighted to have joined Sheffield United and this is a great opportunity for both the club and me personally. I’m sure the opportunities will come for me to get some football and hopefully I can help the team in the weeks and months ahead.

I looked at the clubs interested in taking me on-loan and straight away I felt taking everything into consideration this was the best move for me. I did my ACL at Derby, so I knew I always had to get this right before thinking about going out on-loan. I didn’t want to rush anything.

It’s difficult going in to any injury but especially a long-term injury. You need to show a lot of character. Personally, I think I’ve done quite well to come back from that. I’m very confident now. I’m in no doubt that I’m back stronger. I think it’s a good thing for me to get out and play the games and test it out.

A lot has happened since I made my debut for United four years ago. I want to get my career back on track now. It was a big backward step as far as my career was concerned but I’m back on the up now, so hopefully this will help me jumpstart my career again.

With the best will in the world, it’s tough for me to see [other youth team players start in the first team], especially with me being out injured and thinking ‘it could have been me’. I shouldn’t dwell on it. It’s tough to see, but I’m confident in myself that I can make something out of this.