Former Manchester United striker Andy Ritchie believes that James Wilson would benefit from a loan stint away from the club.

The youngster made 18 senior appearances for the Red Devils last term, as well as turning out for the Under-21 team on a number of occasions.

Looking ahead to next season, Ritchie has stressed that the 19-year-old could reap the rewards from being taken out of his "comfort zone" and playing regular football elsewhere, perhaps in the Championship.

"There are a lot of things to consider and obviously the manager is the one who will make that decision. If he was kept at the football club and used as that option, I think that would be great, but, and this is only my opinion, I don't think playing Under-21s or Reserves football will further his career. I think that's probably too easy for him," Ritchie, who spent three years with United as a player, told the club's official website.

"He needs a bigger challenge and if he plays in the Championship next season he'll certainly get that challenge. Sometimes you need to be taken out of your comfort zone and then you have to deal with it.

"I think Willo's got all the ingredients to be a top striker but he's just got to be out of his comfort zone at times. There's a lot of players that need that."

Biddulph-born Wilson has recently been linked with loan switches to West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa.