A new generation of talent is breaking through at Old Trafford, giving the Red Devils fresh reason for optimism after a nightmare season
Manchester United are now officially fallen giants. They have failed to add to their haul of 13 Premier League titles in the 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure as head coach, winning just four trophies overall, and have fallen well behind nosy neighbours Manchester City and arch-rivals Liverpool in English football's pecking order.
The 2023-24 season has arguably been United's worst yet, with 17 defeats recorded across all competitions, and Champions League qualification appears to already be out of reach for Erik ten Hag's disjointed team. The Dutchman will probably pay the ultimate price come May, and join the likes of Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal on the club's fast-growing list of failed managers.
But it is not all doom and gloom. Academy graduates Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have earned regular spots in the first team with their outstanding performances this season, often conjuring up moments of magic to save the day for a United side otherwise lacking quality and real leaders.
Mainoo has been compared to club legend Paul Scholes because of his technical brilliance, while Garnacho is doing his best to follow in the footsteps of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo, and both men could have key roles to play during a new era at Old Trafford – which is being helmed by Britain's richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
English winger Omari Forson and French defender Willy Kambwala have also broken into the first team in 2023-24, and there could be plenty more young stars who emerge as the INEOS revolution gets into full swing in the summer. GOAL has the lowdown on the next wave of United academy graduates…
Shea Lacey
The United youngster generating the most hype right now is Shea Lacey, who signed his first professional contract at Old Trafford after turning 17 on April 14, despite an injury-plagued 2023-24 season. Ten Hag drafted the teenager into first-team training for the first time in early April as a reward for his stellar performances with the Under-18s, and he is even earning comparisons to England and Manchester City superstar Phil Foden.
Lacey usually operates on the right flank and is already something of a free-kick specialist, which may not be much of a surprise given he happens to idolise a certain Lionel Messi. Much like the Barcelona legend did in his teens, Lacey has already gone viral for several moments of genius for United's youth teams, wowing fans with his dribbling skills and eye for goal. His best effort yet came in an U18s clash with Wolves in January, as he lashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net from 20 yards out.
As if his exploits on the pitch were not enough, Lacey also opted to join United's academy ranks instead of Liverpool's, despite growing up on Merseyside, which supporters will be quick to point to if he makes it onto the senior stage at Old Trafford.
AdvertisementHarry Amass
Harry Amass joined United's academy from Watford last summer, which was seen as a big coup as they saw off competition for his signature from Chelsea. The Hornets didn't want to lose the left-back, who has made an instant impression in Manchester, forcing his way into Ten Hag's plans at the tender age of 17.
The Dutchman named Amass in his matchday squad for the both of the Red Devils' recent draws against Liverpool and Bournemouth, and it is only a matter of time before he is handed his debut. Injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have opened up a spot in defence, which Amass could step up and fill after emerging as a standout performer for United's U18s.
Amass, who is already an England U17 international, has been fast-tracked because of his versatility and quality on the ball. He is deceptively strong and powerful, despite not being the tallest defender, and has been tipped for a bright future at the highest level.
GettyHabeeb Ogunneye
Nigerian right-back Habeeb Ogunneye was a surprise inclusion in Ten Hag's squad for United's FA Cup fifth-round win at Nottingham Forest in February, and has since been named on the bench for four Premier League games amid the club's ongoing defensive injury crisis.
The 18-year-old signed professional terms with United back in November 2022, and has since featured in the UEFA Youth League, while also stepping up to U21 level. Ogunneye has been identified as an exciting prospect by England U21 boss Lee Carsley, too, having previously won three caps for the U17s, though he does also qualify to play for Nigeria through his heritage.
According to the , Ogunneye has struck up a close relationship with Mainoo at Old Trafford, and is using the midfielder's rapid rise as motivation to carve out his own career at the club. The early signs look promising for a player who has plenty to offer at both ends of the pitch, and he could see some minutes for Ten Hag's team before the campaign ends given United have little left to play for in the league.
GettyEthan Wheatley
United's U18s clinched the Premier League North title on April 16, and 18-year-old striker Ethan Wheatley played a key role in their triumph. The Englishman has hit eight goals in seven appearances in the competition this term, including a stunning hat-trick against Liverpool as United romped to a 9-1 victory over their arch-rivals.
Wheatley, who has also played for England at youth level, has an imposing physical frame and he's lightning fast, which makes him a nightmare for defenders. He's also comfortable shooting with both feet, while United have lacked a natural centre-forward for some time, and Wheatley falls firmly into that bracket, equally adept with his back to goal as he is facing it.
Ten Hag included Wheatley among his substitutes at Bournemouth, and has a big summer ahead of him. With several United stars set to travel to Euro 2024, Wheatley will be aiming to make a big impact in pre-season with a view to potentially breaking into the first-team picture for the new campaign.