James Wilson says 'nothing can compare' to dream Manchester United debut
The 18-year-old scored twice in first game for United in 3-1 win over Hull
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.James Wilson has described his two-goal debut for Manchester United as "sheer euphoria".
The 18-year-old was a surprise selection by interim-manager Ryan Giggs but his inclusion was fully justified after his performance in the 3-1 victory over Hull.
Wilson fired the home side in front with a neat finish on the half volley from Marouane Fellanini’s knockdown before tapping in his second on the hour mark. The emerging talent was then met with a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd when he was substituted for Robin van Persie.
"It was a great feeling, you can't compare it to anything else. The first goal was just sheer euphoria and then the second was just a great experience.
“The ground is a lot different without 75,000 people, but just to play here even in front of a small crowd for the Under-21s is still a great experience to play on such a ground. With all the fans here tonight it was even better."
Wilson has earned rave reviews from his performances in the reserve team this season and was on the bench for the side that beat Newcastle 4-0 in the Premier League in April.
The Staffordshire born boy scored a hat-trick against Wolves for the United’s Under-21 side in March and scored on his England Under-19s debut against Estonia in October.
"I feel like I can deal with the physicality and pace of the game. I just need to try to get as many games as possible under my belt for the experience. If you're getting on in the club, you have to be progressing so obviously scoring for every age group is a good sign. I've got where I am now but I have to kick on."
Tom Lawrence, who also started in the win over Hull and was replaced by Giggs with 20 minutes reaming, was equally delighted with his debut and tweeted after th match; "Wow what a feeling that was tonight and loved every minute of it! Coming off too be replaced by a legend like giggs #whatafeeling".
In a season of uncertainty and disappointment for United, their youth players have provided reasons of optimism.
Along with Wilson’s spectacular debut on Tuesday, Adnan Januzaj has looked at home in the Premier League this season and Alexander Buttner has continued his progression as well as the encouraging debut from Lawrence.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments