Ex-Man Utd star who scored debut brace now without a club after being released

On May 15, 2023

He was a Manchester United starlet who couldn’t stop scoring – but James Wilson now finds himself without a club aged 27.

The former England youth international has been let go at the end of his contract by League One side Port Vale, where he’s spent the past two years. Injuries limited his time on the pitch this season and they’ve decided not to extend his stay.

Wilson will now be on the search for his fourth club since leaving Old Trafford in 2019, having also had spells at Aberdeen and Salford City in the time since.

He was signed to the Red Devils’ academy aged just seven, excelling as he made his way through the ranks. He appeared for the under-18s side when he was only 14.

During the 2012/13 campaign, he scored 14 goals in 18 games for the youth side – including five in one game – and earned himself a professional contract on his 17th birthday.

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James Wilson of Port Vale — Wilson has been let go by Port Vale
(Image: Getty Images)

A hat-trick for the reserves in March 2014 put Wilson in first-team contention and he made his senior debut a month later in a Premier League clash against Hull City.

He bagged a brace in the 3-1 victory and looked destined for big things. That was followed up by a stellar performance in the Manchester Senior Cup final, where he scored four goals for the under-21s against rivals Man City.

James Wilson — He is a one-time England U21 international
(Image: Getty Images)

Wilson went on to make a further 19 professional appearances for United, but couldn’t force his way into the squad permanently and spent time out on loan at Brighton, Derby, Sheffield United and Aberdeen.

After the news broke of his departure from Vale Park, he posted on social media: “To the Valiants, thank you for your endless support and for believing in me throughout my time at the club.

“It was always going to be special being back at home and welcomed as your number nine, though I never anticipated the special memories we would make together and I hope you will always remember them fondly. Thank you to all.”