Manchester United’s disastrous injury spell last season was painful for United fans at the time but may well have given them the best player to emerge from their academy since the illustrious ‘Class of ’92’ shocked the Premier League with their succession to the first team.
Marcus Rasford was the shining light in a season of mixed fortunes for the Red Devils, his rise to the first team setup was nothing short of remarkable and has restored faith in a youth setup that seemed to be faltering in recent years. The famed United academy was subject to a wholesale review and revamp last season with Nicky Butt taking the reigns of the club’s illustrious production line, and the benefits were almost instantaneous.
Where can the club go from here though? Can United fans expect a Rasford each season, maybe not, but the future looks bright and they have every right to get excited about the prospects in their academy. The punters in the Transfer Tavern have put their heads together and tipped these FIVE to follow in the footsteps of Mr. Rashford next season…
Hit Rashford below to see FIVE who could follow his rise next season!
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Axel Tuanzebe
Tuanzebe has been impressing over the last season, making 11 appearances for the title winning United U21’s side, and has done enough to earn himself his first call up to the England U19 setup.
In the light of his success at youth level over the last year, Tuanzebe may well be in line to step up into the fold under new manager, Jose Mourinho, and play alongside Chris Smalling at centre back.
Callum Gribbin
After Marcus Rashford, Gribbin is thought to be the most promising product in the academy at this moment in time and may well be a player who Mourinho will look to build a team around in years to come.
Having seen how well Rashford has done over the last season, the playmaker will look to grab any chance handed his way with both hands and force his way into the fold for the first team.
Demetri Mitchell
Comparisons between the 19-year-old and United legend, Ryan Giggs show just how highly the youngster is rated by Nicky Butt and his coaching staff. The youngster has excelled in his time with both the U18 and 21 sides and could be ready to make his first team bow.
The set piece specialist could well be a surprise package for United next season and make a real impact on the first team at Old Trafford.
James Weir
The captain of United’s successful U21 side last season may well be ready to take the step up to top flight action and make a midfield spot in Jose’s side his own.
The creativity of the attacking midfielder was said to have impressed former boss Louis Van Gaal when he called him up to the bench of the first team last season for the trip to St. James’ Park, this season may be the time he goes beyond that call up.
Ashley Fletcher
Centre forward Fletcher spent last season on loan with Barnsley and played a vital role in helping them to promotion to the Champions as well as winning the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. As a player who is comfortable with the pressures of first team football, although not at the level of United, he could well make the step up to the first team at Old Trafford in the coming season.
The 20-year-old has attracted interest from Championship side Leeds but United are hoping that the youngster will stay and have offered him a new contract which he is yet to sign.
