James Wilson believes the departures of Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez have given him the opportunity to compete against Manchester United's striking superstars for a place.
The 18-year-old, who scored twice on his debut for the club against Hull in May, is savouring the chance to work alongside Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao.
He told United's official website: "It's great to be in contention with such names in the world of football as theirs. 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."
Wilson has been involved more since Welbeck joined Arsenal for 16 million pounds and Hernandez was loaned by Real Madrid on the final day of the transfer window.
And he added: "It's an important time for me. Obviously with those two going -- Chicha [Hernandez] 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."
Manager Louis van Gaal has shown his faith in Wilson by bringing him off the bench in two of United's last three games.
He came on for Juan Mata in Sunday's draw against Chelsea when United were 1-0 down and searching for an equaliser.
And the Dutchman sent the teenager on for Falcao in the 2-1 win against Everton when the youngster was buoyed by a message from the Colombia striker.
He explained: "He came up to me and did the clap of the hands as he came off, and said: 'Good luck.' It's great to come on for such a striker like that, a player in the world of football so it was a great experience."
United have a series of major matches coming up, including a trip to Manchester City on Sunday, a visit to Arsenal and a home game against Liverpool in December.
Wilson said: "They are massive games in terms of the season and with even with the rivalries as well. Obviously it would be great to get on the pitch for a few minutes."