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Returning United midfielder Michael Carrick has hailed youngster James Wilson as a "goal machine".

Wilson, 18, scored for the Reds' Under-21s in their 2-1 win at West Ham United on Friday night, taking his tally for the season up to five.

The Biddulph-born striker scored two on his first-team debut against Hull in May and Carrick believes United have a natural goalscorer on their hands.

"He is just a goal machine," Carrick said of Wilson. "He's like that in training and scores all the time.

"It's a great habit to have, something I wish I had! He's just a natural.

"It wasn't even a chance for his goal, he created a yard for himself and put it in the bottom corner.

"He probably feels he should have had another goal or two but both front boys deserved the goals because they were terrific."

Wilson has made two first-team appearances this campaign - as a substitute in United's embarrassing Capital One Cup defeat at MK Dons and in the win over Everton.

Danny Welbeck's departure has boosted Wilson's senior chances and Van Gaal has given seven United academy graduates their debut this season.

Will Keane struck United's winner at Rush Green as the Under-21s returned to the top of the table.

"In the second-half, we dominated from the start really and got the goal," Carrick told MUTV.

"Keano deserved it as I thought he was terrific. He managed to get the winner so it was worth the trip."