[ad_pod ]
Manchester United have been in a sorry state of affairs since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, though such is the stature an expectation of a club like United, they’ve still managed to claim three major trophies in that time.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been charged with restoring the Red Devils back to their former glory. The Norwegian has handed appearances to some of the club’s most promising youth, and when you take into account the links with players like Swansea’s Daniel James, it seems the ex-Molde boss is happy to give young players the opportunity to thrive.
So who from within could make the step up to United’s first team squad.
Axel Tuanzebe – Centre-back – 21
The young centre-back has been crucial in helping Aston Villa achieve promotion after a second loan-spell at the club. The Villans are back in the big-time after three seasons away and much of their defensive organisation is down to the understanding between Tuanzebe and Tyrone Mings.
He’s spent two years working with John Terry, which can do him no harm, and possesses ability on the ball with strength and pace few would struggle to match. He looks ready to get some game-time at Old Trafford.
James Garner – Midfielder – 18
Garner is the most understated of United’s rising talents. Solskjaer handed a brief cameo against Crystal Palace last season, which shows there’s potential there that could be harnessed and transformed into a really neat player.
He’s versatile, playing both midfield and centre-back, loves a tackle but has no issues powering forward into dangerous positions.
He can do a bit of everything. With Ander Herrera departing the club, also a defensive midfielder with strong attributes going forward, there could be a long-term replacement coming through the ranks.
He’s unlikely to play a key role next season, but don’t be surprised if he makes a handful of appearances in cup competitions.
Angel Gomes – Attacking midfielder – 18
Gomes is an incredibly exciting prospect and the type United fans will love to watch. The youngster is also one of a select group to get game time under Solskjaer and could be needed for first-team action next season if Paul Pogba and Juan Mata depart, especially with 2018 summer-signing Fred struggling to find his feet so far in English football.
He’s a very complete midfielder and tricky to dispossess, so he could bring a calm to the United midfield we haven’t seen since Michael Carrick retired.
Mason Greenwood – Forward – 17
Ever since the emergence of Marcus Rashford, everyone’s been wondering who the next breakthrough striking star would be, especially at Man United. In Greenwood, we may see the next one.
The youngster has scored 15 goals in 13 games in the U18 Premier League which earned him his first start for United under Solskjaer. The striker is left-footed but also very comfortable on his right, and plays quite similarly to Rashford, in that he loves to run at players, using his pace and skill to give him an edge. At just 17, his potential is as high as anyone’s.
Tahith Chong – Winger – 19
The right hand-side of the pitch has been an issue for the Red Devils for years, and one most managers have failed to address. The experience, class and cost of Angel Di Maria could not fix the issue, nor could the emergence of young, raw talent like Adnan Januzaj.
Chong has impressed in the academy, scoring eight goals and registering three assists from out wide. He’s a powerful and confident dribbler who can make life very difficult for defenders, happy to go inside and out, and balances his movements from out wide to more central, making him a real handful.