The Manchester United academy groomed some of the finest players to ever play at Old Trafford. The likes of Sir Bobby Charlton, Ryan Giggs, George Best, and David Beckham were Man United younglings who admirably matured into the global superstars they eventually became.
Yes, the Man United senior side has been extensively starved of glory. But some of the best bookmakers ever on sites like LionTips rate Man United youth sides as favourites for the FA Youth Cup every year. This is clearly due to the enviable quality of talents the Man United academy has been pumping out.
Would you not love to learn about some of the most promising players in Man United’s youth team?
1. Charlie Savage
Born in 2003, Charlie Savage is legendary Robbie Savage’s son, one of the finest midfielders to grace the field in the Premier League.
Charlie Savage began his journey at the Manchester United academy, just like his father. He has risen through the ranks, formerly playing with the under-18 team, but now with the under-23 team.
To his credit, he has even achieved more than his father at this level, debuting with the senior team in December 2021 against BSC Young Boys in a Champion league match.
Charlie’s style of play is more on the possessive and stylish side, preferring to display his dribbling and technical skills on the field.
Playing at the midfield, he knows how to pick out teammates with sublime passes and open up defences.
With more inputs to his game, especially defensively and physically, he has more prospects of nailing a place down with the senior team in the near future.
2. Alvaro Fernandez
During the peak of the Brexit between 2019 and 2021, Manchester United invested heavily in their youth teams. This they did to mitigate the consequences of Brexit’s aftermath.
One such investment is in procuring Alvaro Fernandez. The 19-year-old Spanish defender acquired from Real Madrid has always been impressive right from his Manchester United debut.
Making his debut with the U-18 team, he impressed, scoring a goal against Burnley. He has climbed up the ladder, nailing down a permanent position with the U-23s.
Fernandez is tall, making use of his height effectively against strikers. He is also fast, knowingly, and always daring to drive into the opponent’s 18-yard box at the slightest opportunity.
Furthermore, his aggressiveness also plays a role in stopping threats from the opponent strikers. All these qualities, including his pinpoint crosses, will land him in the senior team in the nearest future.
3. Shola Shoretire
Shola Shoretire started his football career with Newcastle United, journeying to Man City, before crossing over to Manchester United.
Silky with his passes and smooth with the ball on his feet, this attacking midfielder somehow finds a way to boss the midfield and keep the ball with his team.
He is always looking out for spaces to play through passes with teammates. This eagle-eye attribute enables him to open up defences and make those overlapping runs to receive the ball back. In addition, his movement is tidy, weaving his way in and out of opposition lines.
Shola is fast, intelligent, and enjoyable to watch. These qualities have earned him several call-ups to the first team. In no distant time, we are looking at a player who is sure to become a regular with the first team.
4. Charlie McNeil
Signed from Manchester City for a £750,000 fee, this 18-year old English center forward clearly loves to score. This is seen in his 600 goals for his team at different youth levels.
With star players like Ronaldo and Cavani looking towards retirement in the nearest future, this is what the Manchester United scouts saw and signed him: a goal poacher.
It is expected that just like Marcus Rashford, he will be given a chance with the senior team soon.
Charlie McNeil is a versatile striker, always looking for ways to exploit the opponent’s defences and positioning himself for those incoming crosses.
McNeill recently participated in a one-of-a-kind ‘work experience’ program designed particularly for the Youth teams.
The young players joined EFL teams and participated in training sessions. This included travelling with the matchday squad and completing warm-ups.
Impressing yet again, this goalscorer will make it to the top.
Conclusion
Over the years, Manchester United are known for producing high-quality players from its youth team. Currently, this prowess is not slowing down as there are still many emerging talents from these youth themes.
This piece highlights some of the very best from this youth side. We are optimistic that their various talents will get them to the top.
