James Wilson: Manchester United teenager explains why Louis van Gaal made him change his shirt number

The 18-year-old striker now wears No 49

James Wilson, Manchester United's No 49 (GETTY IMAGES)

James Wilson has explained why he now wears the No 49 shirt for Manchester United, and it is all to do with his "gaffer" Louis van Gaal.

The 18-year-old used to sport No 47, but changed to 49 because United's new manager wanted him to have a nine in his number because he is a striker.

Wilson has made three appearances for United this season, including coming on for Juan Mata in the 67th-minute in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday.

"I asked why it had changed as it wasn't my decision and, because I'm a striker, the gaffer wanted me to have a nine in my number," the teenager told ManUtd.com.

"So he has moved me up to 49. I could have been 99 in theory, but 49 was the closest one."

United are next in action in the Manchester derby against City on Sunday afternoon.