Man Utd academy graduate becomes a free agent aged 29 - he was once tipped to be United's future

Former Manchester United player and academy graduate James Wilson is set to become a free agent after being released by EFL club Northampton Town.

The Cobblers endured an underwhelming season in League One as they finished 19th, just five points above the relegation places. They confirmed their retained list just days after the end of the campaign and one name that stuck out for those of a United persuasion was Wilson.

In the final weeks of the 2013-14 season, Wilson enjoyed a thrilling debut for United as the then 18-year-old scored twice in a 3-1 home win over Hull City on May 6, 2014. Robin van Persie also netted in that game. Ryan Giggs had taken temporary charge of United at the time after David Moyes was sacked.

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"You have seen a little glimpse of the future," Giggs told fans after Wilson’s double against Hull. "This is what this club is about. We never stand still. We give youth a chance as we try and play attractive football."

He added of Wilson: "He is a natural goalscorer but he has got more to his game than that. He can run at people, he has got pace and he is a clever player."

A report from The Guardian in September 2014 claimed new manager Louis van Gaal saw Wilson as the future of United’s attack and a player who could replace Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie. United had sold Danny Welbeck to Arsenal for £16m in the summer with that decision questioned at the time.

However, Wilson’s United career never really got off the ground as he made just 20 appearances for the club in total. He spent a number of seasons out on loan with the likes of Brighton, Derby County, Sheffield United and Aberdeen. Meanwhile, Welbeck enjoyed a positive time at Arsenal and remains a solid Premier League player with Brighton.

James Wilson career after leaving Manchester United

Wilson was released by United in 2019, ending a long association with the club he had joined at the age of seven. Upon leaving, he said: "Massive thank you to everyone at Manchester United. From the players, coaches and staff, that I’ve worked alongside for more than 15 years, to the fans who have always been so supportive and believed in me.

"I will be forever in debt to the club for how it has helped me along my journey and the opportunities and achievements it has allowed me to experience.”

The now 29-year-old made the permanent move to Aberdeen after leaving United but after 18 months moved to Salford City in January 2020. After being released in the summer of 2021, he found a home with Port Vale and spent three years with the club. He was not retained last summer as he made the switch to Northampton.

He penned a one-year deal with the Cobblers with the option for a further season in the club’s favour but they did not activate the extension with Wilson in a familiar position as he seeks a new club. He will officially become a free agent when his contract expires in June.