Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shown he will give youth a chance at Old Trafford, so here are the club's most promising talents born after January 1, 2000
Getty1Mason Greenwood
How many 17-year-olds would be trusted to make their senior debut in the closing stages of a Champions League knockout tie with their team needing a goal?
Such is the immense talent of Mason Greenwood, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had no second thoughts about throwing on the striker in Paris recently.
With two great feet, explosive speed and the instincts of a seasoned veteran, Greenwood’s 26 goals in 25 youth appearances this term (at the time of writing) include a stunning hat-trick in the FA Youth Cup against Chelsea.
The Yorkshireman, who ranked 16th in this year's NxGn, is understandably considered by many to be the very best of United’s current crop of youngsters pushing for regular first-team involvement.
AdvertisementGetty2Angel Gomes
With Tahith Chong just missing out on the age cut-off, Angel Gomes is the most experienced of the United players in this list.
Having made his debut at only 16 years old under Jose Mourinho, the Under-17 World Cup winner with England has continued to develop well in the youth ranks over the last couple of seasons and has now become a regular at Under-23 level.
He will be looking to make the leap to first-team picture more regularly over the next 12 months, with Solskjaer’s use of him in multiple matchday squads so far being a potential sign of things to come.
Getty3James Garner
Another to have made his first-team bow this season, Garner has been the subject of high praise from United boss Solskjaer.
“He’s in the same mould as Michael Carrick,” said the Norwegian after the 17-year-old’s debut at Crystal Palace. “It puts pressure on him to be compared to Carrick, but that is what it’s like to be at Man United.”
Indeed, the central midfielder has the maturity and game-reading qualities to be a star of the future , as well as the organisational skills to go with performing such a pivotal role.
He has even filled in at centre-back to great effect, including in the historic 4-3 FA Youth Cup win against Chelsea in December.
Getty4Brandon Williams
A left-back very much of the modern mould, Brandon Williams was an unused travelling squad member when United pulled off their great comeback at the Parc des Princes earlier this month.
The local product was captain of United’s Under-18s to begin the 2018-19 season but has since been rewarded for his sterling performances with a promotion to the Under-23s side under Ricky Sbragia.
His great defensive instincts are one thing, but he delivers on the ball too, with a fearless running game and a wand of a left foot.
His return of four goals in 17 appearances at academy level this term (at the time of writing) says much about his threat down the flank.