James Wilson determined to prove his worth and solve Manchester United striker dilemma

Manchester United starlet James Wilson is hoping to establish himself as a reliable option up front for Louis van Gaal next season as the Dutchman mulls over adding more firepower to his squad.

After prolific seasons for the club's Under-18s and Under-21s, Wilson exploded on to the scene with two goals on his debut match after being handed a chance by then-interim manager Ryan Giggs at the end of the 2013-14 season.

Like all of United's strikers last season, however, he struggled up front and managed just two goals in a campaign that was also hampered by injury.

Van Gaal has sent mixed messages over the club's reported pursuit of another striker following the departures of Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie. The Dutchman initially suggested that the club were 'in the process' of signing someone the press have not focused upon, before claiming in a press conference just days later that he was not sure whether the club would be making an addition up front.

Whether the club decide to add more firepower or not, Wilson is determined to stake his own claim.

"I can only show the manager what I have got," Wilson told United's official website, having featured twice off the bench in the first two games of the club's pre-season tour as part of the International Champions Cup. "He kind of knows my qualities so I have just got to go out on the pitch, show him what I can do and hopefully get that chance to play this season.

United continue their pre-season campaign against Barcelona on Saturday 25 July.