Ex-Manchester United star who scored a brace on his debut is a free agent

James Wilson is a former Manchester United talent who is on the hunt for his fourth club after recently being let go by his League One side.

It looked like Wilson was a star in the making, having joined the prestigious United Academy at just seven years old.

He was regularly making appearances for the under-18s side, despite only being 14 at the time.

At 17, the future looked bright for the striker as he signed a professional contract with the Red Devils.

Then Wilson caught his break and delivered a dream debut for the senior side — scoring a brace in a 3-1 victory over Hull City.

The Biddulph-born lad was living it large, rising up the ranks at United and regularly being called up to the England youth squads.

However, after a series of loan spells, Wilson failed to break into the first-team squad under then-manager Jose Mourinho.

The forward was eventually released from the Premier League club and has been drifting between teams ever since.

Following his Old Trafford exit, Wilson has spent time at Aberdeen, League Two side Salford City and Port Vale.

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However, his time at the Burslem-based club has recently come to an end.

Wilson joined Port Vale in the summer of 2021 and made 47 appearances in his first season for the Valiants.

However, due to a lack of game time and being sidelined by various injuries, it’s now been announced that he is leaving the League One club this summer.

According to the Daily Star, the departure comes after the Vale Park team has opted not to extend his contract.

He leaves Darrell Clarke’s club this summer with a total of 74 appearances and 18 goals across all competitions.

Port Vale’s Director of Football, David Flitcroft said: “On behalf of the club, the board would like to thank James for his contributions at Vale Park especially the part he played in helping us to achieve our place in League One through the play-offs last season.

“We’d like to also thank him for his professionalism and commitment, which he showed during his time here and we wish him nothing but success in the future,” he added.

The free agent himself has also released a statement, thanking the club’s fans for their support.

He wrote: “To the Valiants, thank you for your endless support and believing in me throughout my time at the club.

“It was always going to be special being back at home and welcome as your number 9.”

“Though I never anticipated the special memories we would make together and I hope you will always remember them fondly. Thank you all.”

Following the announcement of Wilson’s departure, the former future talent will officially become a free agent on 30 June 2023.