James Wilson hoping to put himself in shop window during Aberdeen loan

Manchester United striker James Wilson believes Aberdeen can provide a similar boost to his career as the Dons did for the likes of James Maddison.

Wilson has joined last season’s Ladbrokes Premiership runners-up on a season-long loan deal.

Maddison moved from Norwich to Leicester for a reported £24million fee 12 months after a similar spell at Pittodrie and Wilson saw the move as a chance to kick-start his career.

The 22-year-old netted a double against Hull on his United debut in May 2014 and hit another two goals the following season but a serious knee injury while on loan at Derby two years ago hampered his progress.

Now Wilson hopes to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Leicester pair Maddison and Danny Ward plus Chelsea defender Michael Hector in boosting his career at Pittodrie.

“Since I spoke to a few people about the club, they have mentioned the big names that have come here and done well and gone back to their clubs and gone stride for stride with the lads who are already in the team,” Wilson said.

“It was a big factor in me coming here to develop my career.

“The coverage that the Scottish league is getting at the minute is really good, one in every three games is on TV. The crowds here are the same as you’d get in a Championship game, and overall I just think it was the right move.

“I want as many minutes as possible and as many goals as possible, but I am in my final year at Man United and I’m looking to put myself in the shop window. But obviously short term I want to help the team do well.

“I’ve not (spoken to Jose Mourinho) directly but obviously he doesn’t see me in his plans for this year so the right move was to come on loan and Aberdeen was the right place.”

Dons boss Derek McInnes described the deal as a “great bit of business”.

“We feel we are the right fit for James at this moment in his career and it’s important for him to feel really wanted and important in someone’s squad, and that’s exactly what he will be for us,” McInnes said.

“We wanted to bring in a striker of note. He has had a difficult 18 months with injury and not getting regular football, which can happen, especially at a big club like Manchester United.

“But now hopefully he has found a home for the season ahead and we will be giving him the best chance to be at his best every Saturday.

“Now it’s over to James to show what he’s all about. He has the pace, ability and technique and no doubt he will have the real confidence and personality to become a big player for us.”