Manchester United star Juan Mata has told talkSPORT he is expecting great things from young striker James Wilson, saying the 19-year-old has “everything to succeed” with the Premier League giants.
Wilson has impressed in his breakthrough season with the Red Devils, having been given his first taste of first-team action at the end of last term under interim boss Ryan Giggs.
He's had to wait for his chance, with Radamel Falcaojoining the club in the summer, but he was on target for United in Tuesday night’s FA Cup victory over Cambridge United which saw the 11-time winners progress to the fifth round.
Picking the ball up outside the box, Wilson dropped his shoulder and fired a sweet left-foot shot past goalkeeper Chris Dunn and into the bottom-corner, sealing a 3-0 triumph at Old Trafford.
Rival side Tottenham have been rewarded for their faith in their young stars, with 21-year-old striker Harry Kane currently the Premier League’s top scorer with 20 goals in all competitions.
And Mata believes Wilson will similarly become a key member of the Man United squad of the future.
“James has a great future ahead of him,” the Spain international told the Sports Bar.
“Everyone can see he has a great left foot, it’s incredible the way he can finish. His touch is good and he is quick as well; he has everything to succeed.
“He will have to be patient because there are a lot of other players in the team, but I think he can be very important to the club in the future.”
United boss Louis van Gaal has said he is targeting FA Cup glory after progressing to the next stage of the competition.
The Red Devils haven’t lifted the trophy since 2004 but are one of the favourites for this year's crown after Manchester City and Chelsea faced shocked fourth round exits.
And Mata added that the side will do everything in their power to bring home some silverware following a tough few seasons at Old Trafford.
“It would be very good for us to win the trophy,” the playmaker said.
“It’s been a long time since the club has won the FA Cup so it would be special for every one of us.
“We will do everything we can to pass the next round and that’s all we’re thinking about now, the next round.”
On the clash with Cambridge, who hit the post inside a minute of play at the Theatre of Dreams, Mata added: “It was a tough game from the beginning.
“You could see that from the first chance they had. If they scored the game would have been totally different, but after that we focused on moving the ball quicker, we scored goals and we played well.”
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