Manchester
United are facing an unprecedented crisis right now. 15th in the
league, out of both the domestic cups and facing an injury crisis. But amid the
chaos, a silver lining emerges. The club’s famed academy. Nick Cox is doing a
wonderful job at Carrington and United’s youth teams are among the best in
England. From the Class of 92 to the breakthrough of Rashford under Louis Van Gaal
and the rise of Mainoo and Garnacho under Ten hag, the academy graduates have
always turned up in the hour of need for the great club. So who are the
wonderkids at Carrington now who could shape the next generation of United
stars?
Chido Obi Martin
He recently
made his debut for United becoming the third youngest after Angel Gomes and
Shola Shoretire and was quite impressive against Fulham in the FA Cup. The
biggest challenge of being promoted from youth football to senior football is
the physicality. Many players struggle against the much bigger and stronger
players in the senior football. That’s not a problem for Chido. Towering over his
peers in youth football, he exploded on the scene after scoring TEN goals in a
single game against Liverpool under 16s last season for Arsenal. Since then he
has not looked back. With a freakish record in youth football, and incredible
anticipation on the pitch along with insane athleticism, it won’t be long
before he’s scoring and making headlines on the biggest stage.
Jack Fletcher
Son of
United hero Darren Fletcher, Jack has made rapid strides in the academy. He
joined the first team training under Ten hag and Amorim and has made the
matchday squad a couple of times. A wonderful midfielder to watch, he could be
exactly the type of player United need in the midfield right now. He can deep
as well as in between the lines. He is a great striker of the ball with his
left foot is a volume passer. With only Ugarte Eriksen and Fernandes available
for United to play in the engine room, it might be the right time to give
Fletcher a taste of senior football.Godwill Kukonki
Standing at
6’5 with a huge frame, Kukonki is just the type of centre back that Amorim
wants. He was the first academy player to be named in the matchday squad under
Amorim. He only turned 17 in February so it might be early to play him in the
first team but he has all the traits that United are looking for in a centre
back. With great defensive intelligence and brilliant recovery pace, he is also
good on the ball. He has also been deployed at left back which is a valuable
asset. We might see the left footed youngster play for the first team at United
sooner rather than later.
Jim Thwaites
A wonderful
silky player to watch, he was United U-18s hero last season after his late
winner against Derby. A fantastic dribbler who is comfortable in tight spaces,
he has improved well this season. Looks like one of the best players everytime
he is on the pitch, he has been integral in United’s FA Youth Cup run and put
up a great performance at the Emirates this season coming on for Jack Fletcher.
He is also an excellent set piece taker and has scored many free kicks this
season. He might be the best set piece taker in youth football at the moment. He
has already trained with the first team this season so don’t be surprised seeing
his name on the first team sheet next season.
Bendito Mantato
Likened to
Bukayo Saka in youth football, he is one player I expect to be fast tracked
into the first team. He participated in first team training at just the age of
16 and is exactly the type of player Amorim likes. Perfect for the wing back
role in the Amorim system, his tricky dribbling makes him a nightmare for
defenders while his monster physicality is something this United squad needs.
Direct and creating chances everytime he is on the pitch he is a player to look
out for at Carrington.
By Parth Gokhale
Very Good
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