Wilson gives United hope for future
Teenage debutant James Wilson scored twice as Manchester United rang out the old and ushered in the new in a 3-1 win at home to Hull City on Tuesday.
While the 18-year-old Wilson introduced himself to Old Trafford, captain Nemanja Vidic made his last home appearance, and there was also a late cameo from United great Ryan Giggs that may have been a farewell.
Vidic will join Inter Milan on a free transfer after United's last game at Southampton on Sunday, while 40-year-old Giggs, currently the interim manager, will shortly be out of contract.
In an on-pitch address after the final whistle, Giggs told the crowd: "You've seen a little glimpse of the future. We always play attractive football. Keep supporting us, and the good times will come back soon."
For the last home game of his interim role, ahead of the anticipated appointment of Louis van Gaal, Giggs gave a nod to the club's traditions by picking both Wilson and 20-year-old Tom Lawrence.
Wilson scored once in each half, with substitute Robin van Persie adding a late third after Matty Fryatt had replied for FA Cup finalists Hull.
A Europa League place remains an unlikely target for United, who need to beat Southampton and hope Tottenham Hotspur lose to Aston Villa, but they at least signed off with a positive home result after a wretched campaign.
Giggs chose to name himself and Vidic among the United substitutes, and yet the biggest surprise on the team-sheet was the presence of debutants Wilson and Lawrence in the hosts' starting XI.
Vidic made his entrance earlier than anticipated in the 22nd minute, but it came after Phil Jones was forced off with a shoulder injury that will be of concern to England coach Roy Hodgson.
The versatile defender was taken to hospital after leaving the field following an aerial collision with Maynor Figueroa, but Wilson's 31st-minute opener helped to lift the mood.
Adnan Januzaj's right-wing free-kick was headed down at the back post by Marouane Fellaini and the teenager displayed the instincts of a striker several years his senior to score with a crisp left-foot half-volley.
Hull failed to muster a single shot in the first half and manager Steve Bruce, the former United captain, reacted by introducing Fryatt and Yannick Sagbo at the interval, but the hosts remained on top.
Wilson claimed his second goal in the 61st minute and Januzaj, United's one consistent source of invention, was the architect, streaking down the right flank and teeing up Fellaini.
The Belgian's poked shot was blocked by Hull goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic, but Wilson was on hand to tuck the rebound away.
Giggs entered the fray, earning a standing ovation as he came on in place of Lawrence to make his 963rd appearance for the club.
A typically incisive pass in the 86th minute found Van Persie, who lashed home at the second attempt after his first effort came back off a defender.
