Football
PA Sport 9y

England starlet James Wilson will develop at Man United - Southgate

Manchester United are more than capable of maximising James Wilson's potential, according to England under-21 manager Gareth Southgate.

Wilson, 19, came off the bench to score in Thursday's 1-0 victory over a United States U23 side at Preston, and looked the sharpest of Southgate's players despite it being his debut at U21 level.

But his chances at Old Trafford are under threat after the arrival of record-breaking £36 million French teenager Anthony Martial, and there are suggestions he may be farmed out on loan.

Wilson has yet to make an appearance this season and has played just 17 minutes of first-team football since February.

Southgate has no intention of telling Louis van Gaal what to do with Wilson, but is confident he will develop under their guidance.

Asked whether Wilson should go out on loan, he said: "That is for him and his boss to decide.

"I believe United will handle his development in the best way. They are one of the best clubs in the world. Look at their history for developing young players.

"There is still some physical development to come. As he plays more matches he will get hardened. It is very early stages of us working with him. We've seen him play for United.

"He hasn't got enormous game time under his belt. We might have to be patient and wait for him. We know he is a goalscorer, and he has got some great potential."

Southgate also did not want to get drawn into the saga involving West Brom and Saido Berahino, a player he knows well from his work with the U21s.

Berahino appeared to suggest via social media he would not play for the club again after the Baggies denied him a deadline-day move to Tottenham.

"You speak as you find people and Saido was super for us," he added. "We enjoyed his personality and his football for us. He has a lot of potential.

"I'm sure he will sort things out with West Brom, I'm sure he will play for Tony [Pulis] and get on with him."

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