Manchester United have included young striker James Wilson in their squad for the group stages, who has been by all means a surprising addition after just returning to the side following a long-term injury during his loan stint with Championship side, Derby County.
United had sent their academy product to the Rams in August last season but unfortunately, the 21-year-old returned in two months itself after sustaining cruciate knee ligament damage while training. He could make only four first team appearances for Derby County during his brief stay.
And among his only positive was a gamed for Derby under-21s’ Checkatrade Trophy group match at Doncaster Rovers as he played and scored in that game. However, Wilson has returned now and recently featured in United’s under-23 side against Tottenham Hotspur.
United lost the game 3-0 against the Lilywhites, but more importantly, the 21-year-old started and played 77 minutes of the game. However, United’s first team squad has excelled in the Premier league so far winning every game and in an assuring manner. And his inclusion in Jose Mourinho’s Champions League squad means United are short in the centre forward position.
Apart from the first choice Romelu Lukaku, Mourinho has only Marcus Rashford in that role and as far as his potential is concerned, he has been far better than Jese Lingard and Anthony Martial from the wide areas too. Hence, playing Rashford would mean Mourinho gets one short up front.
A huge concern would be the unavailability of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the immediate few months. Mourinho has already revealed that the retired Swedish international will not be a part of United’s Champions League group stages. The club has taken a huge gamble to extend his contract at the club last month, as he is far from fit after his knee ligament injury sustained in April.
The problem with Mourinho would be the kind of threat Rashford and Lukaku provides to the opponents. While Lukaku would offer more aerial threat and strength, Rashford relies on terrific pace and the manager will have to adjust his midfield accordingly.
Wilson would be more in the slot of Rashford and given how frequently Mourinho has used him from wide areas in the league, Wilson could see himself coming off the bench more frequently. It is definitely quite surprising following the fruitless season he has endured the last term.
Despite being in a comparatively easier group, United will have to play Liga NOS defending champions Benfica, Russian side CSKA Moscow and Swiss club Basle. Wilson has a real chance of making a mark here and that could kick start his season ahead of the World Cup season.
