Wilson signs new Man Utd deal

Manchester United F.C. striker James Wilson has put pen to paper on a new deal which keeps him at Old Trafford until the summer of 2019 with an option to extend for a further year.

The England Under-21 international, who has been attracting interest from several clubs in the Sky Bet Championship in recent weeks, is delighted with the new contract, and rightly so.

“I  have been at United since I was seven years old and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far,” Wilson told the club’s official website.

“Growing up at the club has been an incredible experience and I feel it stands me in good stead for continuing my development as a Manchester United player.

“I am delighted to have signed a new contract and look forward to playing a part in the team for many years to come.”

United boss Louis van Gaal added: “James is one of the brightest young English prospects and we are delighted he has signed a new contract.

“He is a very talented forward player and has a keen eye for goal. His development is continuing in the right direction and it is clear to see that he has a fine future ahead of him.”

Since debuting against Hull City in May 2014, Wilson, 19, has scored four goals in 18 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils.

Sherwood: Benteke worth more than £32.5m

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood believes the club allowed strtiker Christian Benteke to leave on the cheap following the player’s £32.5 million transfer to Anfield in the summer.

The Belgium international, who joined Villa from Genk for around £7 million in the summer of 2012, endured a slow start to the 2014/15 campaign, but bagged 11 goals in his last 11 English Premier League appearances for the FA Cup runners-up. That purple patch likely set up Benteke’s ‘dream’ move to Liverpool.

“Last Christmas there might not have been too many takers but he showed the quality he’s got over the latter part of the season, which prompted Liverpool to spend the money,” said Sherwood.

“I expected them to pay that sort of money for Christian Benteke because of what he is, a top player.

“There was nothing the club could have done. We’d have liked to have kept him, we valued him at a lot more than that.

“The clause was there for a reason and Liverpool matched it. But his value to the football club would have been a lot more than that.”