In a shocking turn of events, former Manchester United prodigy James Wilson finds himself without a club at the age of 29 after being released by Northampton Town.

Once hailed as the potential successor to Wayne Rooney, Wilson was among ELEVEN players axed by the struggling League One squad, which finished a disappointing 19th in the league.

Joining Northampton on a free transfer last summer, Wilson's time with the team fizzled out spectacularly; he failed to score in any of his 12 appearances.

As the former United star navigates the treacherous waters of job hunting, he’s not alone—manager Kevin Nolan confirmed that ten other players have also been released, including Tyler Magloire and Jack Sowerby.

Nolan expressed the difficulty of making such decisions, especially with players who have contributed significantly to the team over the years, stating, "These are tough calls, but we need to focus on building a stronger squad moving forward."

A Star Once Shining Bright

Wilson’s journey began at Manchester United, where he joined the youth academy at just seven years old. He made his senior debut in 2014 and scored twice against Hull City in a memorable 3-1 win.

Despite that promising start, his career has taken a nosedive, with lackluster stints at clubs like Brighton and Derby, followed by a return to the Red Devils where he made only two more appearances.

In 2019, he joined Aberdeen on a permanent basis but was quickly sidelined once again after failing to score in 16 games. Brief spells at Salford City and Port Vale followed, with a total of 23 goals in 105 appearances—yet more injuries plagued his progress.

A Bright Future Turned Dim

Once lauded by ex-manager Louis van Gaal as the next Rooney, Wilson's career is now a cautionary tale for aspiring footballers.

Ryan Giggs once praised him as a natural goalscorer with an impressive skill set, emphasizing his pace and clever play. However, the harsh reality of professional sports shows that talent alone is not enough to guarantee success.

As Wilson seeks a fresh start in his career, he serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of football and the fine line between glory and obscurity. Will this former wonderkid find a way to reignite his once-promising career?