Robin Van Persie
Robin Van Persie is set to be dropped in favour of James Wilson for the clash against Crystal Palace Getty

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is reportedly considering dropping Robin van Persie for the clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

According to the Mirror, the Dutchman is ready to hand youngster James Wilson his first Premier League start when the Eagles visit Old Trafford and Van Persie looks like the player who will make way.

The Dutch striker has only managed to score three goals this season and has struggled to find his best form, which could lead to him getting the axe from the manager.

Van Gaal has already warned the players, when he made it clear that apart from captain Wayne Rooney and goalkeeper David de Gea, no one else is guaranteed a starting place in his team and will have to earn it with good performances.

This could see the former Arsenal striker make way for Wilson, who has impressed the boss with his appearances from the bench and has also been in fine form for the U21's, where he has scored six goals thus far.

With Radamel Falcao still recovering from a thigh injury he picked up in training, it leaves Wilson as one of three strikers available for selection.

Van Gaal has never been afraid to put his trust in young players, and has already handed first-team debuts to a number of youngsters.

The 18-year-old striker, who has come up through the youth ranks at United, is keen to take his chance, especially after the manager retained his faith in him by letting Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck leave in the summer.

"It's an important time for me. 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," Wilson said, as quoted by the Mirror.

"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," the young Englishman added.