Former Manchester United centre-forward Andy Ritchie believes James Wilson needs to experience a loan spell at a Championship club in order to further his development.
Wilson broke into the first team towards the tail end of last season and scored a brace on his debut against Hull City at Old Trafford.
Under Louis van Gaal the 19-year-old became a regular member of the senior squad this term, but with a number of quality strikers already in Manchester United's ranks, the teenager made just 13 Premier League appearances for the club.
He kept banging in the goals for the Under-21 side, but Ritchie feels it is time Wilson moves to a Championship club on a loan deal to further his football education.
"He’s got pace and he can score goals – he’s done that throughout his career so far", Ritchie told the club’s official website.
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"The one thing I think he needs now is to get some experience. Is it better for him to get that at a Championship club and get a season under his belt of good football?
“I think the Championship is a really tough league. After a season in the Championship, he would come back to United with a different perspective.”
Ritchie stressed that the decision rests with Van Gaal and if the Dutchman wants to keep Wilson in the squad as a third choice striker then that would be good for the youngster.
However, the former Red Devil feels Wilson needs a season of Championship football as he will be forced to move out of his comfort zone and that will only make him a better footballer.
"There are a lot of things to consider and obviously the manager, Louis van Gaal, is the one who will make that decision. If Willo was kept at the football club as a third option in attack, I think that would be great, but – and this is only my opinion, I don’t think playing Under-21s football will further his career.
"I think that’s probably too easy for him.
"He needs a bigger challenge and if he plays in the Championship next season he’ll certainly get that challenge.
“Sometimes you need to be taken out of your comfort zone and then you have to deal with it. I think Willo’s got all the ingredients to be a top striker but he’s just got to be out of his comfort zone at times.”
Wilson has scored four goals in 18 senior appearances for Manchester United so far and has also earned two caps for the England Under-20 side.
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