I thought I would take a look at 5 up and coming players who could make the grade at Manchester United this season and make a positive impression at Old Trafford and see what they could offer to Louis Van Gaal’s men.
1- Tyler Blackett - A 20 year old defender who can play either centre back or left back. A big presence with good pace and strength in the defence the 6ft 2in defender has been on loan at both Blackpool and Birmingham last season and made a positive impression in both loan spells. He has had a very impressive pre season against some top sides and there is no doubt that at this moment that Man United are short in the centre back and left back departments.
2- Michael Keane - A strong 21 year old centre back whose twin Will Keane also plays for United. He has had loan spells at Leicester City, Derby County and Blackburn Rovers he made his impact on all these clubs as a solid centre back making a total of 50 appearances from his loan spells. He seems to have the ability to score goals scoring 6 in the 50 appearances and also 3 in 12 for England under 21’s. Also won United’s Reserve player of the year in 2012.
3- Reece James - He is left back with a good engine and a threat going forward and he can also operate in central midfield. Has impressed in the pre season games including scoring a brace in the opening pre season game V LA Galaxy. The 20 year old was nominated for the reserve player of the year award last year.
4- Jesse Lingard - A quick and creative 21 year old versatile attacking midfielder who has a had two very good loan spells at championship clubs, one at Brighton where he was involved in the play offs last year and for Birmingham for who he scored 4 goals in his debut including a hat trick in the first 33 minutes for the for the Midlands club. Scored a total of 9 goals in the championship last season but may find Juan Mata, Adnan Januzaj and Shinji Kagawa ahead of him at United leading to another loan spell.
5- James Wilson - 18 year old striker who burst onto the scene last season when he scored 2 goals on his debut V Hull City. Prolific Goal scorer for both United’s reserves and Under 18 side he seems to know where the back of the net is. With Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez and a injury prone Robin Van Persie currently United’s only out and out strikers Wilson may get a chance in the First team this year.
Will these youngsters get a chance in the first team this season? Are they ready for the first team or should they be out on loan gaining more experience?
Source: DSG
