MANCHESTER UNITED GREAT Teddy Sheringham has backed James Wilson to be the 20-goal-a-season striker that Louis van Gaal is craving.

Van Gaal last month lamented the fact that his current squad does not have a striker pushing to reach the milestone in the Premier League this season, with Wayne Rooney the current top scorer with 11.

On-loan Monaco man Radamel Falcao has struggled for form since moving to Old Trafford, while Robin van Persie has 11 despite struggling with injuries, and Sheringham feels Wilson must be trusted more.

“I really like James Wilson,” he told United Review. “It’s a shame for him that Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie are in front of him.

“Louis van Gaal said recently that he doesn’t have a striker who can score 20 goals a season, but I think if you put Wilson up there with Wayne Rooney then you’d have two players who can reach those figures for you.

“He’s very direct, scores goals, has good pace and that added bonus of being a left-footer — they always tend to catch defenders off guard and it always looks more special when the left-footed strike goes in.

“I like his attitude, he looks a good player, a good prospect and one that everyone needs to keep an eye on.”

Wilson currently has one goal to his name in 12 league outings, only two of which have been starts.

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