New Academy Players in the 22/23 First Team

The Corinthian

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So, it's clear that we have a squad of overpaid, overhyped and frankly just not good enough players. The light at the end of the tunnel suggests that there'll be significant retooling of the squad in the summer.

Off the top of my head we have a few definite exits such as Lingard, Pogba, Cavani, Mata and a few highly probable exits such as Tuanzebe, Bailly, Jones, Matic, and Martial. Further than that, the squad will be further trimmed with the exit of Pereira, Grant most likely retiring, and even Ronaldo deciding to move on as well. And although we don't know what will happen with Greenwood, it's most likely we won't see him in a United shirt again.

Rather than going to market, I'd rather we bring through and blood in some of our academy. We have a bright crop of youngsters coming through that could fill the gap, and potentially work with a manager who’s excellent with youth (ETH). Looking beyond the 22/23 season, we have some real talented young players that could feature in 2-3 years down the line such as Galbraith, Iqbal, Garnacho, and Hansen-Aaroen.

For the 22/23 squad, who from the academy should be blooded into the first team? The obvious ones for me are -

1. Teden Mengi - he's had a couple of loans at Derby and Birmingham, but mostly been dogged by injuries recently. If Bailly, Jones and Tuanzebe are headed for the exit, it'd be worth using Mengi as our 4th centreback. He'll get valuable minutes in both the Europa and Cup games next season, and he's touted to be a real talent.

2. Ethan Laird - right back / right wing back and similar to Mengi in that he's had a couple of loans. Looked good at Swansea, but not getting much of a look in at Bournemouth. Our current right backs are various degrees of average, so it would make sense to tap into our academy. He has the talent so I'd be interested to see if ETH (or whoever) can unlock it.

3. James Garner - he's been very good at Nottingham Forest, on loan for the last two seasons and featuring in pretty much every game. Very impressive in their deep run in the FA Cup, and could be exactly what we need in front of our defence. Should definitely be considered for first team action in the 22/23 season.

4. Hannibal Mejbri - he's fully part of the first team squad without getting much of a look in. Someone I'd describe as crazily talented, and should be pushing for a first team spot given that Pogba and Matic will be most likely vacating their first team squad spaces. Although his best position is occupied by Bruno, he can also play as an 8, and should be getting minutes in the Europa as well as cup games next season.

5. Amad Diallo - cheating a bit here as he's not academy. Realistically, our wide attackers currently stand as Rashford, Sancho, and Elanga. Martial will most likely leave, Lingard is gone, Greenwood unlikely to play again, and we sold James at the start of the season. It makes sense to invest in Amad's capability and let him be a full member of the first team squad going into the next season.

6. Brandon Williams - similar to the above, cheating a bit as he featured over 30+ times in Ole's first full season. He's looked a revitalised player under Dean Smith, and supposedly Rangnick has taken notice too. Could he give Shaw / Telles a kick up the arse? At least we know with Williams he's got the energy and determination to get up and down the left flank.

7. Tahith Chong - I personally don't believe he has a long term future here. But could he do a job in the first team for us in the 22/23 season? I think so. He's quite versatile, and capable of playing either flank. Although he hasn't shown that top level quality that we'd expect, could he 'do a job' in the same way we've expected Lingard to 'do a job' (I think so).

8. Alvaro Fernandez Carreras - he's extremely talented and has been training with the first team. A right footed left back that can also move into midfield if need be. Considering the dearth in real quality of our current crop of full backs, I'm quietly hoping the new manager sees something in him and backs him, giving him vital minutes and experience in the new season.

I guess my overall point to this thread is, there's likely to be a significant amount of people leaving the squad come the end of the season. I hope we don't go to market and spend a lot of money on average squad filler signings, or big reputation signings. I'd rather we identify 2-3 vital signings that are able to hit the ground running in that £30-45m mark and supplant the squad with the use of our academy. If we get a progressive manager, one that can unlock the youth than it'll only serve us in good stead in the long run.
 
Alvaro Fernandez is left footed, he was also generating interest in January so hard to see him not being loaned out next year. As for the rest, the only ones who have even a slight chance of playing here next year is Garner, who I'd personally loan out again to a PL outfit, and Mejbri, who's an untested entity. Some of them haven't even secured starting positions at their loan clubs.

I don't think Williams is good enough, as much as I like his spirit, I'd hope Norwich offer us a respectable offer and we stick a buy back in there when they go down. Laird hasn't played RB since he left, he's been playing essentially as a wing back with 0 defensive responsibilities at MK Dons and Swansea, a position which doesn't really exist at United. He's another who's untested at PL level. I'd be surprised if Chong is here past summer, he hasn't got long left on his contract so we should be looking to sell while we can get a fee. Mengi is talented, but 2 years of inconsistent form, even at U23 level, has left him with big question marks. Diallo looks a talent but he's not nailed a place down at Rangers.

It's a nice thought but wholly unrealistic.
 
AltiUn said:
Alvaro Fernandez is left footed, he was also generating interest in January so hard to see him not being loaned out next year. As for the rest, the only ones who have even a slight chance of playing here next year is Garner, who I'd personally loan out again to a PL outfit, and Mejbri, who's an untested entity. Some of them haven't even secured starting positions at their loan clubs.

I don't think Williams is good enough, as much as I like his spirit, I'd hope Norwich offer us a respectable offer and we stick a buy back in there when they go down. Laird hasn't played RB since he left, he's been playing essentially as a wing back with 0 defensive responsibilities at MK Dons and Swansea, a position which doesn't really exist at United. He's another who's untested at PL level. I'd be surprised if Chong is here past summer, he hasn't got long left on his contract so we should be looking to sell while we can get a fee. Mengi is talented, but 2 years of inconsistent form, even at U23 level, has left him with big question marks. Diallo looks a talent but he's not nailed a place down at Rangers.

It's a nice thought but wholly unrealistic.
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Thanks - I get your point. I suppose where I’m coming from is to use these players to supplant the vacant spaces in the squad. Take for example the likes of Jones and Bailly. I think their combined appearances this season is in the single digits. Wouldn’t it make sense to move them both on and give those potential minutes to Mengi in the next season? If he isn’t good enough, he isn’t good enough, but the upside is he might play better with a new manager and (relatively) better players. That’s the angle I’m coming from.

Similarly, Lingard’s squad space - he’s had at best 10 appearances this season and overall minutes can’t be more than a couple of hundred in total. To me it’d make more sense to give these minutes to Amad next season. The upside is obvious, and it makes sense rather than going to market to buy an auxiliary attacker squad filler type of signing (Telles, Donny etc).
 
Fernandez has always impressed me when I’ve watched him. You can add Toby Collyer to that list now as well, great midfield pedigree. Throw them in, throw them all in!
 
Garner and Hannibal will be first team imo. The rest did not impress in their loans or are just not ready. Maybe Amad might as well given the level of talent he has.

We need massive investment given the situation we are in or we will be fighting for the conference league.
 
Garner and Mebjri have to be integrated in the squad and given minutes to show what they are made of.
I'd add Garnacho, because i like his blend of intensity/technique.
 
I'd have Mejbri, Amad, Pellistri, Laird, Garnacho, Garner and Alvaro Fernandez in the first team next year. I don't see it with Mengi but he's still young I guess. Hansen and Mainoo probably need one or two more years at that level, as good as they are.
 
I’d keep Garnacho away for the time being. He looks a real lethal weapon, but I think we’d need an established striker for next season.

Pellestri is an interesting one. He maybe should be integrated but I’m not sure how he’ll fare. I’d give him an additional season long loan and bring him in (if successful) from the 23/24 season full time.
 
The Corinthian said:
I’d keep Garnacho away for the time being. He looks a real lethal weapon, but I think we’d need an established striker for next season.

Pellestri is an interesting one. He maybe should be integrated but I’m not sure how he’ll fare. I’d give him an additional season long loan and bring him in (if successful) from the 23/24 season full time.
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He's primarily playing as a left winger/inside forward anyway moreso than a striker, I don't think we have that X-factor striker in the academy at the moment. Agree that we should be definitely looking at an established striker for next season.
 
Unfortunately I think most will move on elsewhere, I don’t see anything special in most of them. Hannibal maybe will get a few chances especially if Pogba leaves. The rest need to step their games up
 
golden_blunder said:
Unfortunately I think most will move on elsewhere, I don’t see anything special in most of them. Hannibal maybe will get a few chances especially if Pogba leaves. The rest need to step their games up
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That may be the case, and fair enough if it is. What I’m trying to get at is these players should be supplant the squad, ahead of persisting with the usual suspects or going to market to buy squad filler types. As an example, I’d rather see Hannibal brought on to make something happen next season instead of Mata.
 
golden_blunder said:
Unfortunately I think most will move on elsewhere, I don’t see anything special in most of them. Hannibal maybe will get a few chances especially if Pogba leaves. The rest need to step their games up
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Hannibal and Laird are special, very few young players have the kind of talent they do, would add Amad to the special category too but he is not ready yet. Hannibal and Laird though I feel are good enough to have in the squad from next season.

Garner, have not really watched much of, while for the rest I don't think they are ready. Laird to me could be our Marcelo (he was just as bad at the defensive face of things when he got to Madrid yet played quite a bit for them in the early years, another example is the Liverpool right back who was also bad at the defensive side when he first came through) I think people often worry too much about the defensive side of things. I am not saying we should rely on him as the starting right back but we can move on one of the other guys we have there now and make him the understudy. If wedo appoint ETH, I hope he gives the above opportunities.
 
red_de_pologne said:
On that topic, how is Poch at developing youth?
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In his early seasons at Spurs and generally at So’ton, he was good at it. But he hasn’t shown that side of his managerial capability in quite a while. ETH is much more astute at working with the youth.
 
I'd much rather give the kids a place in the squad ahead of the over paid divas who can't be arsed to put a shift in. As some have said some might not be good enough but considering we might need a large squad turnover i'd like to see a few promoted. I'd also give them more leeway if they made an error because i'd hope that they would still give everything for the badge unlike our current lot. But unfortunately some fans won't be so patient, all you have to do is look the Elanga threads when he doesn't play so well. But i'm happy Ralf's playing him over Rashford and Lingard.
 
Hannibal has to be in the squad. I’d have Laird and Amad in and around too. The rest, either too young or not that special to me. Fernandez may be a surprise package though. Garnacho will be a force the following season I suspect if he stays injury free.
 
The Corinthian said:
That may be the case, and fair enough if it is. What I’m trying to get at is these players should be supplant the squad, ahead of persisting with the usual suspects or going to market to buy squad filler types. As an example, I’d rather see Hannibal brought on to make something happen next season instead of Mata.
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I suspect he may be Pogba’s replacement.

i agree with your idea in theory, I just don’t think it will be as many as you may wish for
 
Becks00 said:
Hannibal and Laird are special, very few young players have the kind of talent they do, would add Amad to the special category too but he is not ready yet. Hannibal and Laird though I feel are good enough to have in the squad from next season.

Garner, have not really watched much of, while for the rest I don't think they are ready. Laird to me could be our Marcelo (he was just as bad at the defensive face of things when he got to Madrid yet played quite a bit for them in the early years, another example is the Liverpool right back who was also bad at the defensive side when he first came through) I think people often worry too much about the defensive side of things. I am not saying we should rely on him as the starting right back but we can move on one of the other guys we have there now and make him the understudy. If wedo appoint ETH, I hope he gives the above opportunities.
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I think both that you mention have the best chance, as much for opportunity as it is skills. We need a RB who can contribute more going forward. Laird will do that.
Hannibal has been groomed to take Pogba’s spot I suspect that’s where he will get his chance
 
RedDevil@84 said:
Don't think it has happened much after Southampton. But the Southampton always had a good academy which has produced good players, even before Poch arrived.
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Poch brought through and developed a few young players at Spurs, and got the team punching above their weight. Although he didn’t really stick with them once they could improve the team with other signings.

He had Mason, Bentaleb playing in the middle (aged 23, 20). He had blooded in Eric Dier (aged 19/20 at the time). Had a couple of established but still raw youngish full backs in Rose and Walker. Eriksen and Lamela we’re both 23 and playing most games. And some random 21 year old up top called Harry Kane.
 
luke511 said:
I'd have Mejbri, Amad, Pellistri, Laird, Garnacho, Garner and Alvaro Fernandez in the first team next year. I don't see it with Mengi but he's still young I guess. Hansen and Mainoo probably need one or two more years at that level, as good as they are.
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Charlie MacNeill also at some point, not as a regular squad player all season but for experience.

Theres not many players you can just throw in as teens… Giggs, Fowler, Rooney, Owen, De Ligt. We need to integrate them into FT training at various times in a season, then into the squad more regularly (if good enough), then the team (if good enough).

As op is suggesting, this isn’t instantly Garnacho taking Rashfords place or Garner taking McTs place, this is about them taking a squad place when (hopefully), we trim squad this close season. Given what‘s needed, I hope we can get the next manager in by June so has some time to start work before pre season
 
For all the stick Koeman got during his Barca period, he did gave the youth a chance. Similarly, LVG with us. Maybe ETH can do this, while playing a more attractive football.
 
Ahmer Baig said:
Why not give them chance for the remaining 9 matches?
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Most of the ones who may be ready are out on loan at the moment. I do think we should be giving Hannibal minutes right now and I am not sure why stiffs who are out of contract in a few months like Lingard and Mata are coming on instead of him. I would think Shoretire could be given some game time too and I would love to see Alvaro make his debut.
 
Hannibal, Garner and Laird are players you hope should be involved in the squad next season as they're players that can help in area's we need to strengthen.

Pre season for youngsters is vital though, have an impressive pre season and you've got a decent chance of forcing your way into the squad. It's all about taking your chances as a youngster and with a new Manager coming in, any player has the opportunity to step up given they have the right attitude.
 
Ahmer Baig said:
Why not give them chance for the remaining 9 matches?
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There is some logic in this. We are not qualifying for the CL next term, and the Europa will be a millstone around our necks. It would be better, in my view, to focus on the league, with the expanded squad getting to play in the Cups (at least early rounds). Finishing just outside the Europa places would be ideal. The young lads would also be able to play without the tremendous pressure they will face if they are called in when we still have a chance of winning anything. I think the fans have turned on a lot of these players as well, not only the ones calling for Rashford's head. Seeing our youth players get some meaningful minutes will give us/them hope in the club. We will also see if they are anywhere near ready.
 
RedSky said:
Hannibal, Garner and Laird are players you hope should be involved in the squad next season as they're players that can help in area's we need to strengthen.

Pre season for youngsters is vital though, have an impressive pre season and you've got a decent chance of forcing your way into the squad. It's all about taking your chances as a youngster and with a new Manager coming in, any player has the opportunity to step up given they have the right attitude.
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I think Mengi as the 4th CB should be seriously considered also. He’s had some iffy loans and a few injuries but it was as recent as 2020 that he was talked of as being a big big talent. If we show Jones, Bailly, and Tuanzebe the exit in the summer, he can thrive in the first team environment and learning off the likes of Varane. Realistically, he’d able to play in majority of the EL group games, and any number of League Cup games depending on how far we get by Xmas alone. That’s a lot of minutes and a lot of first team action in a low risk environment.
 
We’ve brought in so much youth that is going to start bottlenecking soon. if we are getting more serious about this pathway to the first team that we keep referring to it’s time to fast track a few and see if it pays off. For what’s it’s worth I do think this is the best crop since 2011
 
From the ones I've watched, Garner and Chong stick out to me as the one's that could / should be part of the first team eventually. Chong has gotten a lot better since he last played for us. But the issue is whether they're ready or not, it's a completely different kettle of fish playing in the Championship and playing for a team pushing for top 4 / the title. Look at the pelters Fred gets and he'd look like Ronaldinho in the Championship.

Williams and Diallo have both played in the PL, but I don't think either of them will offer much currently. Williams I like but he really needs to start playing as a RB, it's impossible to assess him as there's zero future for him at a PL club playing as an inverted fullback.

The rest I haven't watched. I think it's clear though that while we do have some talented youngsters, it's nowhere near Chelsea's recently lot that have come in and gone to other teams and looked class.
 
Mejbri and Galbraith are the only ones I'd 100% promote as things stand.

Garner isn't good enough.

Maybe Laird and/or Fernandez, too.
 
It’s an absolute MUST that we bring some of these players through.

We’re rewarding players in the first team for playing badly and not giving any chances to the younger players. If you were in the academy, you’re looking in thinking “no matter how bad he plays, he’ll never get dropped so what’s the point?”

At this point I don’t care if we’re bottom half of the table next season, I just want to see some fight, spirit and cohesion, and at least the young lads will try their best.

Brandon Williams is a great example, he’s not as good as Shaw but I know who I’d rather be in the trenches with.
 
We need to bring at least 2 academy players and make them a squad option.

My vote goes to Garner & Elanga,

The rest should be loaned, Amad, Pellistri, Hannibal, Galbraith & Mengi.

Chong and Tuanzebe should be sold, as they are already past the development period and yet to establish themselves.
 
Hannibal & Garner look closest to the first team...

but who knows someone like a Fernandez or an u-18s player might be given an opportunity and run with it like Rashford did six years ago.
 
Laird and Garner need a Premier League loan first. It’s too much to expect them to not only jump up a league, but also to play for one of (hopefully) the biggest teams in the league.

We’ve got many examples this year like Livramento and Gallagher (I know Livramento is a buy back). They would be far more equipped to go into Chelsea’s squad than they would have been at the start of this season. Similarly, sitting on the bench and getting the odd cup game would have done nothing for their development compared to playing every week.
 
I think it depends on who the manager will be.
And how much of a "reboot" or "reset" or what ever we call it this time, the club will actually do.

Garner has done brilliant with Forest last season and this as well. Might be ready for a chance to establish himself with the first team. Pre-season will tell I think. He deserves to get the opportunity after impressing.

Laird has done very well on loan. But what happens with Dalot and Wan-Bissaka.? If both stays, Laird have to go on another loan.

Mengi has a long way to go. I know central defence is under attack, and we have to look at strengthen there. But I can't see Mengi being considered.

Hannibal should really get the opportunity before the summer break. We all know Pogba will leave, so why not let him stay on the bench, and see if Hannibal can catch his opportunity before the season ends. If he does, then we can save money for other positions, if not, Hannibal will be sent on loan.

The rest, I can't see Garnacho and others step up and be part of the first team from August. They are very talented, but I doubt the club and any new manager will be prepared to throw them into the side.
 
For me I totally agree with giving these guys a chance next season. Let’s face it we’re miles off we’re we want to be. Taking a season to blood our highly talented youth is a no brainier. We’ve been sticking with these overpaid players for to long and I think a lot of our players have proven there no up to it. As for the youth what’s the worst that could happen. We have a poor season and learn who can cut it and who can’t. The ones who show there metal and take it with both hands will be exactly what our club needs right now. Hunger, desire and know what it means to play for the club. On the other hand we leave them in our u23s or out on loan, learn nothing about them and our current first team battle it out for a pathetic top 4 spot again. Bored of the same results each season. Give me something to be excited about
 
At a minimum, I would like to see Fernandez, Laird, Garner, Hannibal, Amad and Shoretire involved with the first team next season. Unfortunately I don't see any of our first team fullbacks leaving, so any avenues there will be blocked. I would even push for some others such as Hansen-Aarøen, Gore, Mainoo, Mather, Garnacho and McNeill to be given opportunities in the early rounds of the cups.

In essence a proper overhaul where we sell/release around 10 players, sign three or four and promote a good number of academy players. Incredibly unrealistic, but that's what I'd like to see.
 
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Remember the geese said:
At a minimum, I would like to see Fernandez, Laird, Garner, Hannibal, Amad and Shoretire involved with the first team next season. Unfortunately I don't see any of our first team fullbacks leaving, so any avenues there will be blocked. I would even push for some others such as Hansen-Aarøen, Gore, Mainoo, Mather and McNeill to be given opportunities in the early rounds of the cups.

In essence a proper overhaul where we sell/release around 10 players, sign three or four and promote a good number of academy players. Incredibly unrealistic, but that's what I'd like to see.
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This is exactly what we should do. At least then we could be excited to see the team progress with plenty youth. The team would always be improving
 
OmarUnited4ever said:
We need to bring at least 2 academy players and make them a squad option.

My vote goes to Garner & Elanga,

The rest should be loaned, Amad, Pellistri, Hannibal, Galbraith & Mengi.

Chong and Tuanzebe should be sold, as they are already past the development period and yet to establish themselves.
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I would keep Elanga, Garner and Hannibal. Rest on loan.

Galbraith is an interesting one. I think he could be surprise like Scott was.

Rest FA youth cup squad should get taste of first team training till Jan and then should be loaned out
 
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