Derek McInnes is in no doubt that James Wilson can give Aberdeen back their missing X-Factor.
The Dons are finding their feet after three defeats and needed extra-time to struggle past Dundee in the Betfred Cup.
Aberdeen, who head to Kilmarnock this weekend, have struggled for goals and creativity after starting the season on fire but gaffer McInnes knows Wilson can provide a real cutting edge.
McInnes said: “There is a confident player in there, a lovely footballer, a real technician who has speed and we just need to get him polished off and as fit and strong as he can be.
“If we do that, his quality will come through in an Aberdeen shirt.”
The 23-year-old is still getting match-fit as it was well into pre-season before he thrashed out a permanent move.
But McInnes believes he can flourish now he no longer has the pressure and burden of being at Manchester United.
Louis van Gaal tipped him for big things and handed him a big contract but injuries and some poor loan moves eventually led to United releasing him at the end of last season.
Del said: “He’s a boy I hope now is an Aberdeen player rather than a Man United player, that we can really work with.
“He was influential towards the end of last season and we feel he’s found a home that he’ll be settled in as opposed to being a United player who was put out here, there and everywhere.
“There is a young player there who had a lot to deal with in his short career but hopefully his best years are ahead of him and he can repay our faith in him by kicking on now.
“Everybody seems to know the level of contract he was on which was a huge amount on a four-year deal which, for a young man is not easy to deal with. He was just floating the last few seasons and nobody gave him an incentive.
“He had injuries and a disappointing loans and there was a perception he was underachieving, but James is a boy you need to get to know.
“He has work to do and needs to throw himself into this. We’ll put everything into getting the best out of him but he has to do it too. Getting him confident, fit and playing with a smile on his face is the key.”
