James Wilson has acknowledged he faces a battle to secure a place in the Manchester United starting XI, but says it is one he is ready to undertake.
Wilson, who has represented England at Under-16s, U19s and U20s levels, burst on to the scene at the end of the 2013-14 season after scoring twice on his debut against Hull City.
But despite the departures of fellow strikers Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao, the 19-year-old knows he still has to work hard and get fit to become a permanent fixture in the first team.
James Wilson celebrates after scoring on his Manchester United debut in May 2014
“I just need to keep training hard,” Wilson told MUTV.
“You hear everyone say it. If you want it really bad, you’ve got to train for it. You’ve just got to train hard, get fit and stay injury-free really.
“For me, that’s probably one of the big things because I’ve had little injuries here and there. I’d say staying fit is the big one for me.”
Since his dream debut in May 2014, he has made a further 17 appearances under Louis van Gaal.
During that time he scored further goals against Queens Park Rangers and Cambridge United.
He has also featured in the club’s pre-season tour of the United States, and played a key part in the move that led to England Under-21s international Jesse Lingard’s goal against Barcelona.
James Wilson in action for England Under-20s against Canada
But despite enjoying the tour experience Wilson said he was happy to get back to Manchester.
“It’s nice to see a bit of rain because it’s been very hot out in the USA!" he added.
"The tour has been an unbelievable experience for me. I expressed myself to the manager.
“He knows what I’m capable of and I just needed to show that. I’ve gone out there and done what I could.”
Wilson will be hoping to be a part of Van Gaal’s squad for the opening game of the Premier League.
The Reds begin the new campaign with a home game against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
On Friday 14 August they then travel to Aston Villa for their first away game of the season, before returning to Old Trafford for a game against Newcastle United eight days later.
