Manchester United striker James Wilson was reportedly targeted by Leeds United and he scored a stunner for Aberdeen last week
Leeds and Manchester United might share what can diplomatically be described as a difficult relationship. But the Lancaster giants have had no problem with loaning players out to their bitter Yorkshire rivals over the years.
It seemed that another Old Trafford youngster was on his way to Elland Road a year ago. The Sun reported that Leeds were interested in signing James Wilson on a temporary basis.
With Marcelo Bielsa’s side struggling to find that clinical touch 12 months on, is now the right time to revisit their interest in a player who famously scored twice on his debut for Manchester United at the age of just 18.
Since that magical night against Hull City in 2014, Wilson’s career has slipped somewhat. Spells with Brighton and Derby never really got going and he has scored just twice since moving to Aberdeen on loan in the summer.
But Wilson offered a timely reminder of his massive potential in midweek. He opened the scoring in Aberdeen’s 3-0 win against Hamilton with a quite remarkable long-range goal, thumped into the top corner from 25 yards, before departing to a standing ovation.
“He is capable of those moments, but we’re showing patience,” Dons boss McInnes told the BBC.
“It shows you the level the boy can play at.”
Leeds’ recruitment chief Victor Orta should have taken notice. The Whites have seen so many games go the same way recently: dominating possession, creating chance after chance, but being forced to settle for a disappointing result after wasting opportunities.
Wilson, however, has just reminded everyone that he can create something out of nothing with a moment of magic.
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