What will the Manchester United starting line-up look like in two or three years’ time?
In the first article of this three-part series, we explained the club’s policy of sacrificing today to build a better tomorrow.
Already, there has been so much investment in youth that it is possible to envision a team of current United players who could comprise a big part of the first team for years to come. All of the players are 22 years of age or younger.
Goalkeeper
Radek Vitek (21): The Czech keeper put in a memorable man-of-the-match performance against Rosenborg in pre-season and has been immense on loan at BW Linz in the Austrian league. He could compete for a first team spot next season. Younger stars such as Hubert Graczyk and Elyh Harrison are also tremendous prospects and it seems possible that at least one of United’s current crop will become world class.
Back three
Leny Yoro (19): Already a first team regular, Yoro oozes class and world-class potential. He has made some errors so far but is getting stronger with every game and was imperious against Leicester City last time out.
Ayden Heaven (18): A January signing from Arsenal, Heaven hasn’t kicked a ball for United yet but he is widely regarded as one of England’s top young talents. A left-footed centre back who could get his chance earlier than expected due to the unfortunate season-ending injury sustained by Lisandro Martinez.
Reece Munro (18): United have so many great young defenders in the academy but Munro may have something extra special. Others such as Godwill Kukonki, Jack Kingdon and Sonny Aljofree are also capable of making the step up.
Wing Backs
Patrick Dorgu (20): Another January signing, Dorgu is a plug-and-play wing back/winger capable of playing on either flank. His debut 45 minutes against Leicester suggests United have bought a real gem.
Shea Lacey (17): Another left footer capable of playing on either flank, Lacey has amazing potential despite his tender age. Whilst more of an attacking player, under Amorim’s United if he could adapt his game to play wing back, he could become a big part of United’s future.
Other wing back options include Harry Amass, new signing James Overy and Jayden Kamason.
Midfielders
Kobbie Mainoo (19): Mainoo needs no introduction, already a mainstay of the United side and a full England international, he could be at the club for another 17/18 years.
Sekou Koné (19): Bought in the summer, Koné missed much of the first part of the season with injury but is now starting to impress in the Under 21s. Considered one of the best holding midfielders of his generation, he will surely progress to the first team squad in the near future.
Toby Collyer (21) is already in the senior squad and players such as James Scanlon, Jim Thwaites and Dan Gore are also ones to keep an eye on.
Forwards
Amad (22): The Ivorian is the senior statesman of our squad of the future.
Alejandro Garnacho (20): Most fans were relieved when Ineos decided not to sell the Argentinian in the January window. If he improves his finishing, he could become world class and we’d rather that happens while he’s wearing a United shirt.
Chido Obi (17): Another steal from Arsenal’s academy, Obi looks the real deal. He has already progressed from the Under 18s to the Under 21s in his first six months. Fans are salivating at the prospect of seeing him run onto the Old Trafford turf for the first time.
Although he’s been disappointing this season, Rasmus Hojlund (22) may also still come good. He has time. Other promising forwards include Gabriele Biancheri (18), Samuel Lasale and Bendito Mantato.
Here, then, is our United-only team of the future:
We have also looked at players with whom United have been linked, who could be signed this summer to enhance our team of the future. Click here to view our Future XI with just four key transfers included.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
