Former Man Utd wonderkid Ryan Giggs tipped for the top unemployed aged 28

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

James Wilson has been released by Port Vale after their relegation to League Two (Image: Getty)

Manchester United academy product James Wilson scored twice as a teenager on his Premier League debut. The striker's peak came early, however, and a decade on, he has just been released by Port Vale following their relegation to League Two.

Related articles Man Utd may be using Branthwaite as a smokescreen after 'visiting Willian Pacho' Man Utd could make Erik ten Hag look silly after Marcus Rashford comments

The impressive scoring record Wilson boasted on his path to United's senior ranks made him a well-known name. Club legend Ryan Giggs, while serving as interim manager at the end of the 2013/14 season, opted to give the youngster a shot in the first team.

The decision proved to be a good one as Wilson netted a fairytale brace in a 3-1 win over Hull City. While still in his teenage years, the promising forward made 17 appearances in all competitions the following season, but he only played twice for the Red Devils in the four subsequent campaigns before he left Old Trafford on a permanent basis.

Wilson has spent the past two seasons at Port Vale, but despite his first-rate football education, he was unable to prevent them sliding down to the fourth tier at the weekend as a 23rd-place finish confirmed their relegation.

function loadOvpScript(){let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)} window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

Watch all the Premier League and Champions League drama unfold on TNT Sports

Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

James Wilson was given his debut by Man Utd's former interim manager Ryan Giggs (Image: Getty)

The club have since confirmed that Wilson is among a group of players to be released. The former Red Devils academy star, now 28 years old, is consequently an unemployed free agent seeking out his next opportunity.

Giggs spoke highly of Wilson after handing him a dream debut, calling the striker a 'clever, natural goalscorer' who can 'run at people'. In an interview with Salford City, Giggs reflected: "I remember we'd been beaten and I wanted to throw in some young players.

"James came across, he trained really well. I already knew about him because he was a goalscorer, he was scoring regularly for both the reserves and the youth team.

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Related articles 'I've worked with Man Utd target Zinedine Zidane - he's just like Frank Lampard' Man Utd risk new Mason Greenwood backlash after setting price tag for player

"He really impressed me with the way he trained and the way he had an eye for a goal, and he had the dream debut, didn't he? He scored a couple of goals. He's always been a really good finisher. He had his injury problems but he's a good lad, he always wanted to improve."

Wilson's United breakthrough saw him spend three seasons on loan in the Championship while still on the books at Old Trafford, with the highlight being a solid five-goal campaign at Brighton in 2015/16.

Since then he has turned out for Derby County, Sheffield United, Aberdeen and Salford City, who recently appointed Giggs as their director of football.

Related articles Beat Ryanair luggage fees with 'trending' £20 bag Erik ten Hag's stance on quitting Man Utd as boss named 'top target' for Ajax