James Wilson to leave Manchester United for Fulham as Jose Mourinho begins to trim squad

JAMES WILSON is set to join Fulham in Jose Mourinho’s first departures at Manchester United.

The 20-year-old will join Slavisa Jokanovic’s side on a loan instead of bolstering Mourinho’s attack for the start of next season.

He featured against Wigan in a friendly at the weekend, playing the first 45 minutes before coming off as one of seven half-time changes from the Portuguese boss.

But Mourinho is happy to let him leave and base his attack on Anthony Martial, Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Wilson was at Brighton last season and will use his spell at Craven Cottage for experience before returning to compete for a first-team place.

The forward made just two appearances under former Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal last season, coming on as a late sub in a 3-0 Prem loss to Arsenal in October and then starting a Capital One Cup game against Middlesbrough the same month, in which he was hauled off at the break.

He then made a loan move to the Seagulls in November, playing 27 times under Chris Hughton.

But Wilson struggled for goals, netting just five times for the south coast club - who made the play-off spots before going down over two legs to Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-finals.

United defender Guillermo Varela will also be allowed to join Frankfurt on loan ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

The Montevideo-born Uruguay youth international joined United from hometown club Penarol in 2013 but has struggled to make his mark at Old Trafford.

He finally got a run of games last season, making 11 appearances between December and March.

But Mourinho is looking to strengthen at right-back and has targeted Monaco's Fabinho in a £22million deal.