Aberdeen sign Manchester United striker James Wilson on season-long loan

Wilson provides Derek McInnes with another option up front after the sale of Adam Rooney

Aberdeen have signed Manchester United striker James Wilson on a season-long loan.

The 22-year-old striker broke through at United four years ago but has since struggled to establish himself at the club and spent time out on loan.

Wilson will provide Derek McInnes, the Aberdeen manager, with another option up front following Adam Rooney’s move to Salford City this summer.

“I am absolutely delighted to secure James on a season-long loan as he is a player I feel will very quickly become an important member of the squad for us,” McInnes told the club’s official website.

“He is a real quality player, who I think will suit the way we play, and, having spoken to him, I think he sees this move as a real opportunity for him.

“There were other clubs interested in taking James but he feels this is the right place for him to continue his development.”

Wilson broke through at Old Trafford during Ryan Giggs’ caretaker spell four years ago and scored twice on his debut against Hull City.

The England Under-21 international featured sparingly under Louis van Gaal, however, and spent the 2015-16 campaign on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion.

An anterior cruciate ligament injury cut his temporary spell at Derby County short the following season, and last year Wilson made nine appearances for Sheffield United.