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Robin van Persie's place is under threat this weekend - with young Manchester United striker James Wilson ready to step in.

United boss Louis van Gaal is considering giving Wilson his first start of the season against Crystal Palace on Saturday - with Van Persie the likely fall-guy.

Van Persie has scored just three goals this season and has struggled to find his best form, with the Holland star facing increasing pressure to keep his United place.

Van Gaal has already warned his high-profile United players none of them can be sure of their places, regardless of their reputation or price tag.

The United boss has been impressed with 18-year-old Wilson since arriving at Old Trafford and is keen to give the youngster the chance he feels he deserves.

Profile: Is Wilson a ready-made RVP replacement?

Pacey forward Wilson came on for Van Persie in United’s 1-0 derby defeat away to Manchester City last Sunday and looked lively in his late cameo role.

The teenager, who scored twice on his United debut in a 3-1 win over Hull last season, is in fine form this term, having notched up six goals for the Under-21s.

The latest came on Monday, in a 3-2 defeat to Leicester, where Wilson was taken off just after the hour - to keep him fresh for a potential first-team start this Saturday.

With Radamel Falcao still troubled with a calf injury, Wilson is in pole position to partner United skipper Wayne Rooney up front should Van Persie be dropped.

Van Gaal is not afraid to give young players a chance, having already given Premier League debuts to Tyler Blackett, Paddy McNair and Jesse Lingard this season.

Wilson, who came through the ranks at United, is determined to make his mark and take his chance following the summer departures of Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez.

“It’s an important time for me,” said Wilson. “Obviously with those two going - Chicha on loan and Danny getting a move to Arsenal - it’s given me a great opportunity. It’s going to be really important for me to get the minutes on the pitch.

“Obviously with the competition in training and even in the games as well, if I can just get a few minutes here and there, then hopefully I can get my chance further down the line.”