In what was probably Ryan Giggs’ last game at Old Trafford as interim manager and player, he made the decision to start 18-year-old James Wilson and 20-year-old Tom Lawrence.

“He’s a goalscorer – a natural goalscorer; but he’s got more to his game than just that,” said Giggs. “He can turn and run and he’s a very clever player. I was delighted for him that he got two goals and I think he wanted to stay on for his hat-trick when I took him off.”

Giggs, who also gave a debut to Tom Lawrence, added: “I wanted to freshen things up after Saturday’s defeat to Sunderland and if you give young players a chance, they will take it. They didn’t disappoint and I was proud to see that.”

Robin van Persie was also impressed with Wilson’s debut.

“James played really well,” he told MUTV. “I know how hard it is to make your [United] debut – I made mine when I was about 29! I know how special it can be. He made it very special for himself and for everyone tonight. To score two goals is really special.”