The size of this summer's transfer window for Manchester United cannot be underestimated.
With the final chapter of a wretched 2021-22 campaign now very close to being rubber-stamped into the history books, full focus, for many, has already been transferred to next season. The arrival of incoming manager Erik ten Hag will signal the start of a new chapter and, hopefully, happier times for United and their army of supporters.
But to ensure happier memories are created in the future, the importance of the club using this summer's transfer window to full effect cannot be highlighted enough. United have made too many mistakes on the recruitment side of the business in recent years and it is hoped that Ten Hag, with support from Ralf Rangnick, will be able to correct those recent errors.
READ MORE: Jadon Sancho delivers his verdict on Erik ten Hag's appointment as Manchester United manager
A wealth of positions within the squad need to be strengthened this summer, not least central-midfield. It has been a problematic position for United throughout this season and the importance of adding fresh blood to that area of the team cannot be emphasised enough.
United are weighing up a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, whilst they are understood to be working on a deal to bring Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips to the club. The chances of United being able to lure both of them to Old Trafford in the same window are slim, purely because of the sheer size of the transfer fees each player would command.
Therefore, they're going to have to box clever with their recruitment. Fortunately for Ten Hag, however, he has a plethora of youngsters within the club's youth ranks and academy that he could turn to in search of quality and potential. He is a big believer in developing youth and bringing new talent to the fore.
"I do agree that youngsters need to get a chance in the first team but they have to deserve that chance themselves," he once said. "They have to prove that they are better than the current players or at least have potential to be better."
With that in mind, MEN Sport has taken a close look at five players within United's ranks who are showing potential and could fancy their chances of impressing the Dutchman this summer.
Brandon Williams
With both Luke Shaw and Alex Telles having struggled to make the left-back spot their own over the course of this season, Brandon Williams will return from his loan spell at Norwich City this summer feeling optimistic about his chances of being involved in Ten Hag's plans over pre-season. The 21-year-old has shown flashes of his quality for the Canaries this season, racking up 29 appearances in all competitions.
He initially struggled to earn regular opportunities under former Norwich boss Daniel Farke but he has been a much more regular fixture under Dean Smith. Although this season will end in relegation for the Canaries, the left-back has made progressive steps in his development, benefitting from playing regularly in the Premier League.
Williams has already made 50 senior appearances for United, too, suggesting that he has the potential to play at the highest level possible. However, he could go up a level or two under Ten Hag - a manager renowned for developing youth.
Alvaro Fernandez
Like Williams, fellow left-back Alvaro Fernandez will fancy his chances of knocking on the door of the first-team next term, even if it is just to play the role of a squad player. He has been a consistent performer for the Under-23s this season, despite only being 19, and is very highly rated by those inside Old Trafford.
The jump from Under-23s football to the first-team is huge, certainly at a club the size of United. However, no shortage of players in the past, both at Old Trafford and elsewhere, have proven that it is not an impossible gap to bridge.
The young Spaniard, who watched the Under-18s win the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday night, is sound defensively and has provided plenty of proof that he is capable of fulfilling the duties of a modern-day full-back by bombing forward. In all competitions this season, he has scored four goals and claimed six assists - a return of ten direct goal contributions for a full-back is impressive.
James Garner
The spotlight is likely to shine brighter on James Garner than most other United youngsters this summer. The central-midfielder has attracted attention this term following a terrific loan spell at Nottingham Forest, which could still end in promotion to the Premier League.
He has excelled on loan at Forest, producing a string of outstanding displays in the centre of midfield. In a season that has seen Forest go from the bottom of the table to now, at the halfway stage of their play-off semi-final with Sheffield United, two games away from the Premier League, the 21-year-old has played a key role in their success.
As well as proving menacing from set-pieces, Garner has also dictated matters in midfield with his passing ability. Furthermore, he will almost certainly fancy his chances of becoming a squad player next term, especially given the fact he did not look out of place when Forest faced Arsenal, Leicester City and Liverpool in the FA Cup, proving that he has the capability to play at the highest level.
Hannibal Mejbri
Already a regular with the first-team on the training ground, Hannibal Mejbri is one of United's most exciting talents, despite having only experienced six minutes worth of first-team football this season. In fairness to him, however, he has spent a lot of time with the Tunisia squad, including at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, which has meant his priorities have lied elsewhere.
But that experience will have helped the 19-year-old. He is highly rated by those inside Old Trafford and he will be hoping to catch Ten Hag's eye in pre-season. Considered a creative operator, he could provide United with an extra element of flair from midfield. With Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata set to leave the club in the summer, Hannibal could be Bruno Fernandes' competition in midfield.
Alejandro Garnacho
United's Youth Cup hero and arguably the most exciting player in their academy right now, Alejandro Garnacho has made significant strides over the last few months, suggesting that he could be the next breakout star to make a name for himself at Old Trafford. Invaluable for the Under-18s in ending their 11-year wait to lift the Youth Cup, the youngster has notched 15 goals and grabbed six assists in all competitions this term.
Despite only being 17, the forward, who has already been included in the Argentina senior squad, has a massive future ahead of him and he has already made his first-team debut, being handed a late cameo against Chelsea.
His flair and energy, plus his fearless approach, suggest he is one to keep a very close eye on. He could develop into a very, very promising prospect under Ten Hag with the right support and guidance.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
