Forgotten Man Utd star touted to be Wayne Rooney’s successor left unemployed at 27 after release from League One side
FORMER Manchester United prospect James Wilson has been released by Port Vale.
The striker scored 18 goals in 74 games for the Valiants between 2021-23, including one in their League Two play-off final win over Mansfield in 2022.
However he netted just three goals this season and is set to be released when his contract expires at the end of June.
A club statement read: “Port Vale Football Club can confirm that James Wilson will leave the club following the expiration of his contract.
“We’d like to thank James for his time spent at Vale Park and wish him all the best for the future.”
The decision means Wilson is on the search for his fifth permanent club following spells at Salford, Aberdeen and United.
The 27-year-old was tipped for big things as a youngster at Old Trafford, with former manager Louis van Gaal once predicting the striker to succeed Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie in leading the line for the Red Devils.
Ryan Giggs also liked the look of Wilson and handed him his full debut while interim boss.
Wilson scored twice in that game against Hull City and Giggs said afterwards: “He is a natural goalscorer but he has got more to his game than that. He can run at people, he has got pace and he is a clever player.”
Unfortunately for Wilson he failed to live up to those big expectations and made just 20 appearances for United, scoring four goals.
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He shared a message with Vale fans upon his release, writing: “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 9, though I never anticipated the special memories we would make together and I hope you will always remember them fondly.
“Thank you to all 
”