James Wilson to Derby County: Latest Loan Details, Reaction and More

James Wilson has joined Derby County on a season-long loan, the club confirmed on Sunday. 

Derby County manager Nigel Pearson spoke about his move for Wilson in the club release.

"

We’re delighted to have agreed to bring [Wilson] to the club on a season-long loan. 

I hope that this loan deal will prove to be mutually beneficial for all parties and I would like to place on record our thanks to Manchester United for allowing James to join us. 

He is an energetic player who will add to our existing attacking options.

"

It's another loan move for Wilson as he seeks game time in order to eventually make the grade as a regular first-team player at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old received some first-team opportunities toward the end of the 2013/14 campaign under then-interim manager Ryan Giggs but has since found minutes hard to come by.

Now, with Jose Mourinho in charge and the former Wales international having left the club, Wilson's chances have looked slimmer still.

Giggs' presence meant there was always a chance at United for a young prospect such as Wilson. As a graduate of the club's academy, the Red Devils legend firmly adhered to United's faith in giving youth a chance, something many believe is vital to the club's identity.

Yet Mourinho has hardly been known for the same willingness to indulge precocious and inexperienced players. The writing looked on the wall for Wilson once he was omitted from the Red Devils' pre-season tour of China, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Wilson was left out along with fellow youth product Tyler Blackett, and the Telegraph report suggested it signalled the likely end of Wilson's United career: "Wilson spent most of last season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, for whom he scored five goals in 27 appearances. He was tipped for big things at United, but it is thought the club are now willing to move the 20-year-old on."

It may be easy to criticise United for this apparent break with their mooted core philosophy, but it's important to remember not every young player makes the grade.

With 20-year-old Anthony Martial and 18-year-old academy graduate Marcus Rashford already at his disposal, Mourinho can justify arguing he already has enough young talent in forward areas.