Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has hinted that James Wilson is close to earning his second start for the club.

During his senior debut last season under the management of interim boss Ryan Giggs, the 18-year-old scored twice in a 3-1 victory over Hull City.

The striker has since made three Premier League substitute appearances following Van Gaal's appointment in the summer and the Dutch manager has insisted that he has belief in the youngster.

"He has already been knocking on the door for a long time, that I have said in many press conferences. That is not only because he substituted Robin van Persie in the last match. I believe in him but he has competition with [Radamel] Falcao and Robin van Persie."

Reports have suggested that Wilson may feature from the beginning against Crystal Palace this afternoon.