Six players to look out for in the future

With all the recent talk and gushing from the media over Manchester City’s new training complex, many observers, including united fans themselves, are worried about how this now affects the red half of Manchester. United legend Paul Scholes was also expressing concern that the tide had now changed and that young players would now more likely choose United’s noisy neighbours over them. Whether or not this is the case, there’s no need for panic, at least not yet, here’s 6 players currently in our ranks that are set to take the club by storm in the coming years.

1. Andreas Pereira: The most well-known player on the list, Pereira is not much of a stranger to fans after appearing on the bench in the league several times, although not coming on, and also appearing against MK Dons in that infamous match, being the only player apart from James Wilson to come out of that ordeal having improved their reputations. He’s a classy playmaker who’s very comfortable on the ball, even in the tightest of situations. The young man is something of a dead ball specialist and with a deadly shot from distance, he certainly has goals in his game, as well as the ability to open up a defence with his wide passing range. Also, being Belgian born but of Brazilian decent, Pereira must surely be destined for the very top.

2. Demetri Mitchell: An exciting winger currently playing his trade in the under 18s, fans will be glad to know that he’s Manchester born and bred. He’s known to often score the spectaculars but Mitchell also has a cool head on his shoulders, explaining why he’s often been asked to fill in up front; he got 6 goals in the Milk Cup, a popular youth tournament, on his way to grabbing the Golden Boot. He’s an England under 18 regular and was also part of the England under 17 European championship winning squad in 2014, showing the recognition he’s receiving on the international level. With explosive pace, quick feet and confidence in abundance, it won’t be long before Mitchell is lighting up Old Trafford.

3. Axel Tuanzebe: The highly rated 17 year old centre back is already captain of the under 18 side and already appears to be a step above his current level. A player that has always played ahead of his age group, the robust defender is apparently viewed by united coaches as a future united star, despite his tender age. Academy adviser Les Kershaw is full of praise for Tuanzebe, saying that “He’s a very, very good player, and is one of them that I really like because he has a strong personality.” High praise indeed for the youngster. Born in the DR Congo but raised in Rochdale, it’s not yet known where his allegiance lies; he’s very comfortable in possession as United’s young defenders are expected to be and looks like an all-round player, besides, with a name like his he just has to make it!

4. Timothy Fosu-Mensah: This young Dutchman has been causing a real stir in the club since his arrival in the summer from Ajax, with fans anticipating his first team debut already, however far that may be. After a near perfect debut for the under 18s, he’s made a spot in the midfield his own despite joining as a defender, although his position change looks like a stroke of genius. With strength beyond his years and exceptional athleticism combined with his ability on the ball including a good range of passing, many are likening his current performances to former united player and current French international Paul Pogba’s rise through the ranks although Fosu-Mensah of course has a long way to go, however early signs show he’s certainly capable.

5. Ben Pearson: Another local player, Pearson is a tenacious midfielder who’s currently on loan at Barnsley, where he gained Man of The Match in not only his debut for the Tykes, but his professional debut. Internationally, the Oldham born player captained England under 18s before moving up to under 19 level; Pearson was also named United’s Young Player of The Year in 2013, showing how highly rated he is within the club. He gained comparisons with club legends with Paul Scholes, albeit prematurely, due to the way he moves with his low centre of gravity, the care he puts into his passing as well as his love for a tough tackle. The Ginger Prince himself named Pearson as one to watch in the near future, and when you’re catching the eye of one of the greatest midfielders the game has seen, you can’t be too bad.

6. Angel Gomes: The youngest on the list, aged just 16. This young man looks set to surpass the efforts of father Gil Gomes, a former professional himself. A winger with the ability to play centrally as well, Gomes jnr. has been lauded by fellow Portuguese winger Nani as ‘United’s next star’. Out of all the aforementioned players, watchers of youth football at the club are most excited about Gomes and believe that he has all the attributes to succeed, including a good eye for a pass, extravagant skills and good finishing capabilities. With the youngster already playing for the under 17s at the age of 13 and making his under 18s debut in a friendly recently, aged just 14, don’t expect to have to wait ages before he’s on your screens despite his tender years.

Worthy mentions include Roshaun Williams, Tosin Kehinde, Callum Gribbin and Josh Harrop. These 6 players I’ve selected all have exceptional potential, but these are not the only ones, that’s for sure, ask another person who they personally believe has the most potential and they may well give a completely different 6 names, such is the strength of the academy at present.

So, ignore the media hype, infrastructure doesn’t breed success; it’s about what’s going on inside, and United have more than proven their credentials for breeding talent over the years. Interestingly, coaches within the club say that our current under 9s are the best crop they’ve had in a number of years, many of whom rejected advances from City, and both the under 9s and under 10s beat their respective age groups of the blue side, what more proof is needed that United continue to produce top talent and rule the roost in Manchester, and with the help of these six players, the club will continue to be in good shape.