Manchester United striker departs on loan to Derby County

Manchester United’s young forward James Wilson has left on loan to the Championship for the second consecutive season. The 20-year-old spent last season at Brighton and Hove Albion, and will be gunning for promotion to the top tier again this time around — albeit with Derby County. The deal will run to the end of the current campaign, and Wilson will be hoping to make a bigger splash than he did on the south coast, mustering just five goals.

The fact that Wilson hasn’t left on a permanent deal could well suggest that United’s hierarchy still think he’s worth keeping an eye on. It’s easy to forget he’s still only 20, which is young even in footballing development terms. However, he would still require a breakthrough season of Harry Kane-esque proportions if he’s going to convince José Mourinho that he has what it takes to be the long term heir to Zlatan Ibrahimović at Old Trafford. No pressure, James.