Our Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping that the 80-year-old tradition of a youth academy player being in the matchday squad long continues under Jose Mourinho.

Many thought that when Jose Mourinho took over in two years ago, the tradition might be broken. However, the Portuguese boss has fully taken on the torch and carried it on, whilst promoting youth himself into the first-team – Scott McTominay is a prime example this season. Still, not all of the youngsters have the opportunity to raise their levels in the first-team, many get lost in the loan system cycle.

However, the introduction of the aforementioned Scott McTominay in central midfield has delighted our punters and our resident Red Devils hope it continues.

Furthermore, the Red Devils boast a plethora of youth talent and it rightly has its name as one of the best academies in football. Unfortunately, with that huge pool of players all looking to break into the first team comes the disappointment of players having to leave the club to further their own careers, and it should be the same for these TWO young players to gain the vital regular football they need to not waste their careers…

James Wilson

The now 22-year-old James Wilson has long been a United player touted for a big future under the previous managers, having initially impressed under Ryan Giggs during his four-game stint in charge following David Moyes’ early departure in 2014. However, Wilson hasn’t been able to take his chances when he’s needed to, failing to impress amid constant injuries and loan spells.

Wilson is currently on loan at Sheffield United in his third spell away from the club and a long-term future at the Theatre of Dreams looks out of the question.

Joel Pereira

United third choice ‘keeper Joel Pereira is entering the ripe age into his early twenties, the make or break time for a player. Having been at the club for six years now, Pereira is now 21 and not featuring in barely any games, and if the ‘keeper has aspirations of making it as a first-team goalkeeper, then the logical thing is to move on.

Especially playing third fiddle to David De Gea and Sergio Romero. The Spaniard is undoubtedly the best in the world and, barring a serious injury, surely can’t be moved as United’s top dog, so the future looks bleak for Pereira.