Louis van Gaal makes James Wilson change shirt from No 47 to No 49 because the Manchester United manager believes a striker should 'have a nine' on his back
- James Wilson came on as a substitute for Man Utd against Chelsea
- Man Utd drew 1-1 after a last-minute equaliser from Robin van Persie
- Manchester United striker wore No 49 instead of last season's No 47
- Louis van Gaal believes a striker should 'have a nine in (his) number'
Louis van Gaal made James Wilson change his shirt number because the Manchester United manager believes a striker should have a nine on his back.
Wilson sported the No 49 shirt when he came on as a second-half substitute for Juan Mata during United's 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The 18-year-old wore No 47 during his Premier League debut last year against Hull City, and the youngster explains that Van Gaal intervened to make the change.
Louis van Gaal made striker James Wilson (pictured) change his shirt number for this season to No 49
Wilson, pictured wearing No 47 during his Premier League debut against Hull last year, wore No 49 on Sunday
Van Gaal made him change numbers because the manager believes a striker should have a nine on his back
‘As I’m a striker, the gaffer wanted me to have a nine in my number, and 49 was the closest,' he told MUTV.
The idea clearly doesn't extend to Robin van Persie, however, who wears No 20. No 19 is free.
Wilson rose through the ranks at United and Sunday was the teenager's third appearance in the Premier League, having scored twice against Hull last season.
In October against Everton, Wilson became the 30th player used by Van Gaal this season - more than any other team as the Dutchman feels his way around his new squad.
The No 47 slot remains vacant at Old Trafford. Previous owners of the No 49 shirt are Ravel Morrison and Frederic Veseli, but neither played in the Premier League for the Red Devils.
Wilson, pictured last season, scores against Hull City on his Premier League debut for United at Old Trafford
Previous owners of the No 49 shirt at Old Trafford are Ravel Morrison (pictured) and Frederic VeselI
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