Juan Mata: 'James Wilson has great future ahead of him'

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata believes that teammate James Wilson has all the key ingredients needed to become a major success at Old Trafford in the coming years.

The 19-year-old has burst onto the scene this season having made 15 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions, despite facing direct competition from the likes of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao.

Wilson scored a fine individual goal in last night's comprehensive 3-0 FA Cup fourth-round replay victory against Cambridge United, and it is this ability to find the net which Mata believes stands the youngster in good stead.

"James has a great future ahead of him," he told talkSPORT. "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 are said to be preparing a new contract worth £20,000 a week for Wilson, with his current deal due to expire in the summer.