Why Manchester United Would Not Be Wise to Send Striker James Wilson out on Loan

Very early into Louis van Gaal's Manchester United career, he blocked James Wilson from going on loan, per Jack Wilson in the Daily Star. 

Since then, the youngster has been an important squad member for the Red Devils. Although he has not set scoring charts alight—finding the net just once in his 13 appearances—he has provided dynamism and pace to an attack that has often lacked those qualities.

His performance against Cambridge United in the FA Cup on Friday was disappointing, perhaps his worst of the season so far. Nonetheless, he has shown enough in his time with the first team to suggest Van Gaal should keep him around for the rest of United's campaign.

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There is an argument to suggest that, although he has not been short of cameo appearances, he has been short of minutes on the pitch. Wilson has played 306 minutes in the league so far this season (and additional minutes in his three cup appearances). Adnan Januzaj, a player distinctly on the fringes of Van Gaal's squad has played considerably more minutes in the league—435.

However, whereas I have argued that the best option for Januzaj would be a loan move, Wilson's case is different.

Firstly, this is his first season as a member of the first-team squad. He, of course, made his senior debut last season, but not until May. He is now, essentially, where Januzaj was this time last year.

Thus there is less expectation of playing time, less pressure to be immediately successful and there is still value in him simply being around the first-team setup. He can learn what is expected of being a United senior player by being part of the squad.

Secondly, unlike Januzaj, there is a clear place for him in the side. Whichever formation Van Gaal has played, he has always used strikers.

Thirdly Wilson has already been needed and is likely to continue to be called upon.

Wayne Rooney has been at least semi-permanently redeployed to midfield, meaning there is one less striker ahead of Wilson in the pecking order. Robin van Persie has needed cover given his difficulties with form and fitness this season.

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Radamel Falcao, as has been well documented, has not exactly cemented his place in the pantheon of United greats yet. Although it can still be hoped that better is to come from the Colombian, it would be hard to argue that being a sure thing.

Even if all three of United's more storied front men were fit and in form, Wilson would still be worth keeping around as he offers something that none of them do—pace.

Of all United's attack-minded players, only Angel Di Maria looks to be able to compete with the youngster for speed. This is not particularly useful in games like the one against Cambridge, where the opposition held a very deep defensive line. However, it was extremely useful in United's 3-0 win over Liverpool.

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It was something of a surprise when Wilson started a game of that magnitude, but during his 71 minutes on the pitch his industrious running was crucial in creating the space that his team-mates so ably exploited. He stretched Liverpool's defence, never seeing much of the ball, but rarely being less than a crucial nuisance.

His goal against Queens Park Rangers was timely, given that he has had his share of first-team appearances now. It also demonstrated what an instinctive and talented finisher he is.

There is plenty more to come from James Wilson, but he has already shown enough to demonstrate that keeping him around is an asset to Manchester United.

All statistics per WhoScored.com