Manchester United's under-21s began their EFL Trophy run with an impressive 2-1 win away to Carlisle United.
The Red Devils' fledglings secured victory over their League Two opponents through goals from Charlie McNeill and Omari Forson either side of Jamie Devitt's equaliser. Backed by 450 travelling fans from Manchester, who made their voices heard through the evening, United youth coach Travis Binnion was able to field a host of future stars at Brunton Park.
Even after splurging more than £225million on transfers this summer, first-team boss Erik ten Hag will still hope to promote from within during what's set to be a busy season at Old Trafford. The Red Devils will play every midweek bar one until the World Cup kicks off in mid-November, meaning there should be chances for the academy stars to feature in the Europa League and Carabao Cup.
Here's five United youngsters who put themselves in Ten Hag's thinking at Brunton Park.
1. Charlie McNeill
Bagging the opening goal, ex-Man City academy star McNeill reminded Red Devils fans of his incredible eye of goal up in Cumbria. The United striker, 18, slotted home Alejandro Garnacho's square ball with ease, as the move was kicked off thanks to a strong challenge from Bjorn Hardley to regain possession.
The tackle allowed Zidane Iqbal to thread the ball through, just one of the many neat pieces of play from Travis Binnion's side in the first 45 minutes. Droylsden-born McNeill took his Red Devils tally to 43 during the opening stages of his third campaign since leaving City in the summer of 2020.
2. Kobbie Mainoo
After taking the first shot of the game which forced Carlisle goalkeeper Michael Kelly into a stretching save, England under-17 international Mainoo stayed on everyone's lips through the evening. Fleet-footed but able to fend of the opposition with relative ease, the Stockport prodigy constantly troubled the hosts until the final whistle.
Breaking into Binnon's under-18 side last term, Mainoo scored twice in the Devils' run to their victorious FA Youth Cup final in May. Ten Hag's midfield could with some added supplement this season, and the 17-year-old should be high on his list of players to bring through.
3. Bjorn Hardley
As the saying goes: when your chance comes, grab it with both hands. That's exactly what Dutch talent Hardley did on the right, firing into tackles like it was a cup final. Aggressive and tenacious, Ten Hag is sure to be excited by the 19-year-old defender - even if United have plenty of left-backs.
His communication was on show, too, being one of the loudest voices in a chirpy young team. But he's more relaxed on the ball, as Hardley is also able to play in midfield thanks to his cool composure.
4. Zidane Iqbal
Arguably the standout youngster of the Red Devils' pre-season tour this summer, Salford-born-and-bed Iqbal appears to firmly be in Ten Bag's plans. Already a fully-fledged international for Iraq, the 19-year-old is a mature midfielder who's ability to create from deep should excite the Old Trafford faithful.
In pre-season, Ten Hag partnered him with academy pal Charlie Savage, who wasn't involved, and both youngsters showed glimpses of a future midfield pairing. With Savage this time out, Iqbal still shone. Rather than just impress in possession, though, his best moment came when he got a toe to Omari Patrick's cross to deny Carlisle's Sony Hilton a sure goal early on.
Get involved! Who should Ten Hag call up to the first team? Give us your picks in the comments section.
5. Alejandro Garnacho
As expected, United's under-18 Player of the Year put on a show at Brunton Park. Unfortunate not go bag a goal after his second-half effort hit the post, Garnacho made it clear that he's ready for first-team football at some stage this term after another dazzling display of speed and skill.
The Spanish-born Argentina international made his debut under Ralf Rangnick towards the back of last season, and it's to see why those at Old Trafford rate him so highly. Playing alongside both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi on a regular basis won't be bad for his development either.
