Manchester United's academy lives by Matt Busby's iconic words; "If they're good enough, they's old enough." United had the second-highest number of minutes given to teenagers in the Premier League this season and we could see some more in the next one.
Here are some players who could (and probably should) be given a shot at playing first team football next season.
Alejandro Garnacho
The Argentine winger has been the stand-out star in the United academy this season. He lit up the Youth FA Cup with 7 goals and was awarded the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award. Now that Garnacho's even got his first team debut, he'll definitely be one to watch next season
James Garner
Garner had such a great season at Nottingham Forest, that the club want to buy him, if not loan him for the next season as well. The higher-ups at United would probably have seen enough to bring him back though. After all, he pitched in with 10 assists and 4 goals to help bring Nottingham back up to the Premier League.
Charlie McNeill
The lethal frontman was scooped up from Manchester City's academy in 2020 and soon after, scored 24 goals in 21 matches for the Man United U18s in the 2020-21 League season. At City's U15s, McNeill scored 110 goals and notched 38 assists in 72 games. It's fair to say he'd be raring to go, if given the opportunity at the senior level.
Charlie Savage
Son of former Man United player, Robbie Savage, Charlie has been impressive during his time at the United academy and has even debuted for the senior team against Young Boys last season. He plays at the base of the midefield and has a great range of passing. His technique is exceptional and he's steadily made his way up from the U18s to the U23s.
Shole Shoretire
Shoretire is another revelation to come out of the 2021/22 season. He's been a consistent performer for the U23s and has been on the bench numerous times for the senior side. He got his debut in the senior team back in 2020-21 and will look to break into the senior squad on a more regular basis next season. His 16 goals and 13 assists in 41 PL2 appearances should make his case for him.
Alvaro Fernandez
The Spanish left-back is immensely talented and provides a lot of attacking threat. He is pacy, direct and possesses great crossing ability. His aggression helped him get 4 assists and 3 goals in 22 games in the 2021/22 PL2 season. As long his trajectory keeps ticking upwards, we might see him get a game or two in the senior team next season.
