James Wilson: Manchester United teenager explains why Louis van Gaal made him change his shirt number

The 18-year-old striker now wears No 49

James Orr
Monday 27 October 2014 13:35 EDT
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James Wilson, Manchester United's No 49
James Wilson, Manchester United's No 49 (GETTY IMAGES)

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James Wilson has explained why he now wears the No 49 shirt for Manchester United, and it is all to do with his "gaffer" Louis van Gaal.

The 18-year-old used to sport No 47, but changed to 49 because United's new manager wanted him to have a nine in his number because he is a striker.

Wilson has made three appearances for United this season, including coming on for Juan Mata in the 67th-minute in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday.

"I asked why it had changed as it wasn't my decision and, because I'm a striker, the gaffer wanted me to have a nine in my number," the teenager told ManUtd.com.

"So he has moved me up to 49. I could have been 99 in theory, but 49 was the closest one."

United are next in action in the Manchester derby against City on Sunday afternoon.

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